Factors Affecting Readmission in A Teaching Hospital in Malaysia

Objective: The aim of this study was to study the rate of readmission and look into factors that may contribute to this. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study of all psychiatric patients who were discharged from University Malaya Medical Center (UMMC). Case notes of those discharged during the study period was retrieved and analyzed. Those fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited and subjected to a questionnaire. Results: A total 107 patients were identified and only 95 participated. The readmission rate was 16.8%. Severity of illness was identified as the main risk factor for readmission in this study. Conclusion: Our readmission rate was similar to some developed nations and indicated good quality of care in UMMC. There appears to be other factors that may influence rate for readmission other than quality of in-patient care and outpatient community care.