Inappropriate hospital admission as a risk factor for the subsequent development of adverse events: a cross-sectional study (17 August 2023)

Summary

All health overuse implies an unnecessary risk of patients suffering adverse events (AEs). However, this hypothesis has not been corroborated by direct estimates for inappropriate hospital admission (IHA). The objectives of the study were (1) to analyse the association between IHA and the development of subsequent AEs; and (2) to explore the distinct clinical and economic implications of AEs subsequent IHA compared to appropriate admissions.

It found that patients with IHA have a higher risk of subsequent occurrence of AE. Due to the multifactorial nature of AEs, IHA is a possible contributing factor. AEs developed after IHA are associated with scheduled admissions, prolonged ICU stays, and resulted in significant cost overruns.