Rehospitalization of elderly patients in a hospital in Lima, Perú

In order to determine the frequency and factors associated to rehospitalization among elderly patients in a general hospital in Lima (Peru), a longitudinal study was conducted. An interview was administered to patients or care providers during their hospitalization, and data were collected from their medical records. After they were discharged from the hospital, they were followed up for 30 days through phone calls to become aware of their condition and if they were hospitalized at some health center during this period of time. 276 elderly patients were included, 14% of which were rehospitalized. It was found that rehospitalization was associated to functional dependency (p=0,003), pneumonia diagnosis upon admission (p=0,045) and lack of outpatient control (p<0,001); the latter having had RRa 2.22 (95% CI: 1,23-3,22). In conclusion, the most important associated factor in the rehospitalization of the elderly is the lack of control visits after being discharged.