Sepsis survivors at risk for returning to hospital

Sepsis survivors face significant risk for readmission, with high rates for those discharged to home health care or home settings, according to a study published in the September issue of the American Journal of Critical Care. The retrospective cohort study explores the association between readmission rates, discharge setting and associated diagnoses for patients who received and survived a sepsis diagnosis during a hospital stay. Patients often were discharged to inappropriate settings, placing them at increased risk for residual sepsis and readmission. Of the study’s 7,107 patients, 1,674 (24%) were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Most returned due to another episode of sepsis or infection. Critical care nurses can ensure robust patient-centered discharge planning to guide appropriate interventions and follow-up, the authors say. (Newswise news release, 8/27/24)