More than 19 million cases of sepsis occur each year worldwide. Although the prevalence of sepsis-related deaths has diminished in the past 2 decades, many survivors experience various levels of cognitive, physical, and psychological consequences. In addition, survivors are at risk for deterioration and readmission within 30 days of discharge.

Hartley and colleagues examined 30-day readmission rates and types of discharge facilities after a sepsis diagnosis in adult patients. They found

  • About 24% of hospitalizations for sepsis resulted in readmission within 30 days, with 68% due to repeat sepsis and 47% due to infections.

  • Most readmissions (90%) were of patients originally discharged to skilled nursing facilities, home health care, long-term acute care, and home.

  • The comorbidity burden and acuity were similar for patients discharged to any of these 4 types of settings.

Although further research is needed to examine best practices for transition to discharge, study findings indicate that sepsis...

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