Identification of factors associated with a need for rehabilitation for patients over 65 years following admission to a general and vascular surgical service

Aim:  To identify factors that predict admission to a rehabilitation hospital for patients over 65 years of age. Methods:  This study reviewed the destinations of all patients over 65 years admitted to a Department of General and Vascular Surgery over 1 year to analyse factors associated with subsequent admission to a rehabilitation hospital. Data recorded included demographic characteristics, type of admission, length of stay at the primary hospital, operation, speciality type, previous admission to rehabilitation hospital, diagnoses and procedures. Results:  Of the 2632 patients examined, 8.7% were subsequently admitted to a rehabilitation hospital. Multivariate analysis showed that previous admission to the rehabilitation hospital, increasing age, number of diagnoses and admission under vascular service were all independently associated with admission for rehabilitation. Conclusions:  Factors associated with increased risk of requiring transfer to a rehabilitation hospital can be identified. This allows early recognition of at-risk patients.