Modifiable factors associated with pediatric asthma readmissions: a multi-center linked cohort study

Objectives To (a) identify rates of hospital readmission and emergency department (ED) re-presentation for asthma within a 12-month period, (b) estimate the effects of modifiable hospital, general practitioner (GP) and home environmental factors on hospital readmission, ED re-presentations and rescue oral corticosteroid use. Methods We recruited 767 children aged 3-18 years who were admitted to 3 hospitals in Victoria, Australia between 2017 and 2018 with a validated diagnosis of asthma on chart review. Primary outcome was hospital readmission with asthma within 12 months of index admission. Secondary outcomes were ED re-presentation for asthma and rescue oral corticosteroid use. All outcomes were identified through linked administrative datasets. Their caregivers and 277 nominated GPs completed study surveys regarding the home environment and their usual asthma management practices respectively. Results Within 12 months of an index admission for asthma 263 (34.3%) participants were readmitted to a hospital for asthma, with participants between the ages of 3-5 years accounting for 69.2% of those readmitted. The estimated effect of GP reported guideline discordant care on the odds of readmission was OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.00-2.47, p = 0.05. None of the hospital or home environmental factors appeared to be associated with hospital readmissions. Conclusions Hospital readmissions among Australian children with asthma are increasing, and linked datasets are important for objectively identifying the health services burden of asthma. They also confirm the important role of the GP in the management of pediatric asthma.

Automated summary

This study examined the rates of hospital readmission and emergency department re-presentation for asthma in Australian children. It also explored the effects of modifiable factors on hospital readmission, including the role of general practitioners and home environmental factors. The findings suggest that hospital readmissions for asthma are increasing among Australian children, and highlight the important role of general practitioners in managing pediatric asthma. There was no apparent association between hospital or home environmental factors and hospital readmissions.