Analysis of readmission rates to the intensive care unit after implementation of a rapid response team in a University Hospital.

OBJECTIVES

To compare readmission rates to the intensive care unit (ICU) before and after the implementation of a rapid response team (RRT), and to identify risk factors for readmission.

DESIGN

A quasi-experimental before-after study was carried out.

SETTING

A University Hospital.

PATIENTS

All patients discharged from the ICU from January to December 2008 (control group) and from January 2010 to December 2012 (intervention group).

INTERVENTION

Implementation of an RRT.

MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST

The data included demographic parameters, diagnoses upon admission, ICU readmission, APACHE II, SOFA, and TISS 28 scores, and routine daily assessment by an RRT of patients discharged from the ICU.

RESULTS

During the study interval, 380 patients were analyzed in the period prior to the implementation of the RRT and 1361 after implementation. There was a tendency toward decreased readmission rates one year after RRT implementation. The APACHE II score and SOFA score at ICU discharge were independent factors associated to readmission, as well as clinical referral to the ICU.

CONCLUSIONS

The RRT intervention resulted in a sustained decrease in readmission rates one year after implementation of this service. The use of a specialized team in health institutions can be recommended for ICU survivors.