Elderly, ambulatory surgery patients at greater risk for readmissions

Patients 65 and older who have ambulatory surgery are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days than younger patients, regardless of their health before surgery, reports a new, large national Northwestern Medicine study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Though not as strong determinants as age, current health conditions, such as chronic pulmonary disease and diabetes mellitus, as well as patient history, were also associated with greater likelihood of unanticipated readmissions. Researchers say the findings reveal the need for interventions for better transitions of care for older adults after ambulatory surgery. Study abstract