JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Intensive care unit (ICU) readmissions have been shown to increase a patient’s in hospital mortality and length of stay. Despite this no methods have been set in place to prevent readmissions from occurring.

Objective:

The purpose of this literature review was to evaluate the use of a risk stratification tool in patient assessment, prior to transfer out of the ICU to the medical floors, for appropriateness of transfer.

Methods:

A database search was performed, including PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and ProQuest. In the initial search 2,028 articles were retrieved; after inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 12 articles were ultimately used in this literature review.

Results:

The literature review found that patients readmitted to the ICU have an increased mortality as well as hospital length of stay. Readmissions were most commonly associated with respiratory related issues. It was shown that a tool such as the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) could be useful in identifying those patients at high risk for ICU readmission within 24 hours of transfer

Conclusions:

ICU readmissions are associated with worse patient outcomes including hospital mortality and length of stay. The determination for patient transfer has solely falling on the provider to make this decision, without the use of an objective screening tool. The use of a risk stratification tool such as the NEWS could be helpful in decreasing the frequency of inappropriate transfers and ultimately ICU readmission