News: Physical function measures strongly associated with readmission risk, study finds

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are 10 times more likely to be readmitted within 30 days if their grip strength is weak, compared to patients with normal grip strength, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine. Researchers also found that hospitalized patients who were 75 years old or older and had low mobility, such as those limited to their beds, are twice as likely to be readmitted within 30 days as patients who can walk on their own, HealthLeaders reported.

The study encompassed a retrospective review of 17 studies representing 80,000 patients. According to their findings, impaired gait speed is one of the strongest predictors of readmission risk among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Additionally, among Medicare beneficiaries with a cancer diagnosis, impairments in daily living activities were associated with a higher number of 30-day hospital readmissions.

Two of the studies reviewed found that patients with deficits in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), such as managing a trip to the grocery store, face higher risk of readmission. Another study estimated that patients with any IADL limitations had a 17% higher chance of readmission compared to those with no limitations.

“Functional impairments are robust predictors of hospital readmissions in older adults,” the study co-authors wrote. “Routine assessment of physical function during hospitalization can improve risk stratification and may support successful care transitions, particularly in older adults.”

Editor’s note: To read HealthLeaders’ coverage of this story, click here. To access the study, click here.