Factors Associated with Post-Stroke Readmission: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Strategic Insights -

New research from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) highlights the importance of hospital discharge procedures and follow-up care in mitigating the risk of readmission in stroke patients. The systematic review and meta-analysis, published in Scientific Reports, aimed to identify factors associated with 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year ischemic stroke readmissions. The study analyzed 135 studies from 18 countries and found that higher 30-day readmissions were linked to advanced age, insurance type, employment status, and socioeconomic disadvantage.

Key Takeaways:

  • Advanced age, insurance type, employment status, and socioeconomic disadvantage were associated with higher 30-day readmissions.
  • Effective discharge planning, post-primary care visits, and thrombolytic therapy administration reduced 30-day readmissions.
  • Atrial fibrillation and cancer increased the odds of 30-day readmissions, while discharge to home and private insurance decreased the odds.
  • Advanced age, comorbidities, and discharge planning impacted 90-day readmissions.
  • 1-year readmissions were influenced by advanced age, discharge location, functional independence, and diseases including diabetes and coronary artery disease.
  • Prioritizing care transition enhancements and proper discharge planning for at-risk patients could help improve stroke readmission rates.
  • The study highlights the importance of hospital discharge procedures and follow-up care in mitigating the risk of readmission in stroke patients.
  • Eddah Mauti and colleagues conducted the research at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), which was published in Scientific Reports.

Statistics:

  • 135 studies from 18 countries met the inclusion criteria.
  • The study found increased odds of 30-day readmissions with atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.12-1.36]),
  • The study found increased odds of 30-day readmissions with cancer (OR, 1.50 [95% CI, 1.19-1.89]).
  • The study found decreased odds of 30-day readmissions with discharge to home (OR, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.55-1.02]).
  • The study found decreased odds of 30-day readmissions with private insurance (OR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.66-0.75]).

Sources:

  • Factors associated with post-stroke readmission: a systematic review and meta analysis. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):34772.
  • Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. October 26, 2025; p 660.