Authors

  1. Timple, Veronica Santos PhD, RN, CCRN-K
  2. Kawar, Lina Najib PhD, RN, CNS

Abstract

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.