Increased Risk of Hospital Readmission Within 30 Days for Patients with Substance Use Disorders

Recent research led by the University of California, Los Angeles, reveals that individuals diagnosed with any form of substance use disorder (SUD) are 24% more likely to experience an unplanned hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge compared to those without SUD. The study, published in the journal Addiction, analyzed data from approximately 22,100 patients admitted to urban medical centers in 2022. Findings indicated that patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) had the highest 30-day readmission rate, close to 40%, highlighting the significant healthcare burden posed by this subgroup.

The study emphasizes that the increased risk is particularly prominent among patients discharged home without post-acute care support. Lead author Steven Shoptaw explained that substance use disorders often go undetected in hospitalized patients, especially when they are not the primary reason for admission, which can lead to misclassification and missed opportunities for intervention.

Patients with SUDs face challenges such as unmet social needs—including affordable housing, nutritious food, and employment—which complicate post-discharge care routines like attending follow-up visits, filling prescriptions, and medication adherence. These barriers contribute to higher chances of re-hospitalization, which not only adds financial strain but also exposes patients to risks like hospital-acquired infections and falls.

The research team utilized data from about 22,100 patients, identifying diagnoses based on disorders such as alcohol-related issues, opioid-related conditions, and other psychoactive substance disorders. They observed that 7.4% of patients had at least one SUD diagnosis, with 4% having alcohol use disorder (AUD) and 2.4% experiencing OUD. Interestingly, while prior studies linked AUD to increased readmission rates, this study did not find a direct association, possibly due to variations in diagnostic procedures or unmeasured factors such as housing status.

The surprisingly high re-admission rate among OUD patients underscores the need for targeted interventions, such as initiating medication or behavioral therapies during hospitalization and ensuring continuity of care after discharge. Implementing evidence-based practices could significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

Despite certain limitations, including potential underdiagnosis and data capturing constraints, the findings provide valuable insights into improving hospital care for patients with substance use issues. Enhanced screening and support for these vulnerable populations could help address the root causes of repeat hospitalizations and improve long-term health outcomes.