Bouncing Back: Hospital Reliance On Transitional Care Beds – A Disservice To Patients? A Review Of Readmission Rates

Abstract Background The Health Service Executive (HSE) developed an Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) Operational Plan in 2023. One UEC action was an aim to transfer “clinically appropriate” patients to alternative care settings e.g. Transitional Care Beds (TCBs) to relieve pressure caused by high occupancy rates in acute hospitals. Inclusion criteria for TCB use is ill defined and we sought to evaluate their usage. Methods Retrospective analysis of characteristics and readmission rates (RAR) of patients discharged from a tertiary hospital to TCB from Oct 1st, 2023 - Jan 1st, 2024. Results 158 patients were discharged from hospital to TCBs. 49% (n=77) were female, mean [SD] age 77.82 [10.09] years. The median length of stay (LOS) was 15 days. 50% (n=79) were discharged from surgical services, 40.5% (n=64) from medical teams, 8% (n=13) from oncology services, 7% (n=11) from geriatric medicine and 1% (n=2) from ED. 27% (n=43) had a “fall” documented as their discharge diagnosis. 32% (n=51) of patients were readmitted within 90 days, 11% (n=18) within 30 days and 4% (n=6) within 14 days. 30% (n=15) were readmitted directly from TCB. Average time between discharge and readmission was 44.7 days. Median LOS on readmission was 10 (IQR 15.5 days). 9% (n=14) had an eventual discharge to long term care (LTC) either from a subsequent admission or transitioned directly from TCB. 6% (n=10) of patients died. Conclusion Of those readmitted, one third were directly from TCBs suggesting discharge to TCB may have been premature and patient selection inappropriate subsequently resulting costly readmissions. Although interventions are needed to relieve capacity pressure in hospitals, greater emphasis needs to be placed on access for patients to designated rehabilitation programmes. We should aim to support older adults following acute hospital admissions by carrying out comprehensive geriatric assessment to maximise independence and reduce likelihood of hospital readmission or transition to LTC.