2485 - UNDERSTANDING PREVENTABLE HOSPITAL READMISSIONS THROUGH HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY: THE ROLE OF PATIENT BELIEFS

Session: D08S0010 - Clinical Health Psychology & Healthcare Systems 1
AUTHORS:
Wilson Holly (School of Pharmacy, The University of Auckland ~ Auckland ~ New Zealand) , Harrison Jeff (School of Pharmacy, The University of Auckland ~ Auckland ~ New Zealand) , Liesje Donkin (Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Auckland University of Technology ~ Auckland ~ New Zealand) , Brackley Kim (Department of Pharmacy, Te Whatu Ora ~ Auckland ~ New Zealand) , Lim Anecita Gigi (School of Nursing, The University of Auckland ~ Auckland ~ New Zealand) , Chan Amy Hai Yan (School of Pharmacy, The University of Auckland ~ Auckland ~ New Zealand)
Abstract text:
Introduction: Hospital readmissions are detrimental to patients, their families, and the healthcare system. In New Zealand, 12.5% of patients are readmitted within 30 days, with up to one-third of these readmissions thought to be preventable. Accurately identifying patients at the highest readmission risk and providing tailored interventions could help reduce readmissions. While clinical risk factors are routinely assessed, psychological factors—such as illness perceptions, well-being, and beliefs about medicines—are often overlooked, despite their potential influence on recovery and health behaviours.


Purpose: This study examined the relationship between modifiable psychological and medicine-related risk factors and 30-day hospital readmissions.


Method: Adult patients discharged from general medical or surgical wards at a large urban hospital in New Zealand were invited to participate. Participants completed questionnaires on days 1 and 7 post-discharge, assessing modifiable risk factors. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from hospital records. Comparative analyses between readmitted (RA) and non-readmitted (NRA) patients were conducted using independent samples t-tests and chi-square tests.


Results: Of the 430 respondents (51.9% female, mean age 58.3 years, 59.3% NZ European), 73 (16.9%) were readmitted within 30 days. Compared to non-readmitted participants, those readmitted were significantly more likely to disagree with being ready for discharge both one day (mean = 3.4 vs. 3.9, p < .001) and seven days (mean = 3.7 vs. 4.1, p = .026) post-discharge. They also reported lower well-being on day one (mean = 50.1 vs. 58.6, p = .018), greater concern about their medicines (mean = 2.5 vs. 2.4, p = .042), and more health-related concerns on day seven (mean = 4.1 vs. 3.6, p = .006).


Conclusions: Patient beliefs about their health, medications, and discharge readiness are significantly associated with readmission risk. These findings highlight the importance of integrating psychological and behavioural factors into discharge planning and readmission prevention strategies.