Factors associated with readmission in patients with eating disorders

Purpose This study examined predictors of readmission to inpatient/residential settings in patients with eating disorders. We hypothesized that readmitted patients would report worse transitional care and continuity of care compared to those who were not readmitted. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, online survey of 80 individuals from the US who reported that they were diagnosed with an eating disorder requiring inpatient/residential treatment. Participants completed questionnaires on demographic and clinical characteristics, the Care Transition Model-15, and the Continuity of Care Questionnaire. We analyzed data using univariate statistics and a series of logistic regression models. Results Participants who reported better transitional care (adjusted OR (AOR) = 1.14; p < 0.001), continuity of care during their inpatient or residential stay, including greater transfer of information (AOR = 6.39,p = 0.002), relationships in the hospital (AOR = 6.83,p = 0.003), management of follow-up (AOR = 3.41,p = 0.02), management of communication (AOR = 8.74,p = 0.001), and management of forms (AOR = 9.61,p = 0.002), reported increased odds of being readmitted to an inpatient or residential treatment facility. Use of nasogastric (NG) tube feedings was significantly associated with being readmitted. Conclusions Contrary to our hypotheses, we found that better transitional care and continuity of care were associated with higher odds of readmission.