Readmission Predictors in Patients With Type II Diabetes

BACKGROUND: In patients with type II diabetes, hospital readmissions occur frequently and contribute significantly to morbidity. Limited research has predicted the factors that contribute to preventable readmission. PURPOSE: This study identified the predictors of 30-day hospital readmission in patients with type II diabetes. METHODS: This single-site 400 patients study examined effects of comorbidities, race, endocrinology consultation, diabetes self-management education, and diabetes medications on 30-day hospital readmissions. RESULTS: Patients with more comorbidities, who were Hispanics, and those who received an endocrinology consultation were more likely to be readmitted. Patients who received diabetes self-management education or were prescribed both oral and insulin medications were less likely to be readmitted. CONCLUSION: Findings identified the factors related to 30-day readmission in patients with diabetes, emphasizing the need for diabetes self-management education. Understanding why patients are readmitted within 30 days of initial admission will empower nurses to create targeted plans to improve nursing care quality and prevent readmission.