Identifying risk factors for 30-day readmission events among American Indian patients with diabetes in the Four Corners region of the southwest from 2009 to 2016

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for 30-day readmission events for American Indian patients with diabetes in the southwest. Research design and methods Data from patients with diabetes admitted to Gallup Indian Medical Center between 2009 and 2016 were analyzed using logistic regression analyses. Results Of 2,660 patients, 394 (14.8%) patients had at least one readmission within 30 days of discharge. Older age (OR (95% CI) = 1.26, (1.17,1.36)), longer length of stay (OR (95% CI) = 1.01, (1.0001,1.0342)), and a history of substance use disorder (OR (95% CI) = 1.80, (1.25, 2.60)) were risk factors for 30-day readmission. An American Indian language preference was protective against readmission. Conclusions Readmission events are complex and may reflect broad and interwoven disparities in community systems. Future research should work to support community-defined interventions to address both in hospital and external factors that impact risk factors for readmission.