Very sick elderly patients more likely to be readmitted

What are the characteristics of congestive heart failure patients that might be predictors of a higher likelihood of readmission within 30 days?  A study of over 2,000 Medicare patients treated for CHF at NorthShore University HealthSystem (Evanston, IL) identified age, the presence of other health problems, taking lots of prescription drugs, and the lack of family support as indicative of repeat hospitalizations. 

Source: Anderson, K., Behrens, E., and Neaman, M.  Reducing readmissions: data system helps address complex questions, improve medicine.  Modern Healthcare;42(34):22, Aug. 20, 2012.  Click here for publisher’s website:  www.modernhealthcare.com  Posted by AHA Resource Center, (312) 422-2003, rc@aha.org