Determinants, Causes, and Discharge Care Gaps Associated with 30-Day Hospital Readmissions in a Provincial Government Hospital

Thirty-day hospital readmissions are widely recognized indicators of healthcare quality, continuity of care, and system efficiency, with preventable returns contributing to increased costs, resource strain, and patient morbidity. This study examined the demographic, clinical, and service-related factors associated with early readmissions and identified potential gaps in discharge and transitional care. A retrospective descriptive design was employed using electronic health records and patient charts from a secondary government referral hospital. All patients discharged within a one-year period who were readmitted within 30 days were included. Data on age, sex, residence, admitting service, and documented causes of readmission were collected and categorized into clinical and system-related factors. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patterns and high-risk groups. Among 344 readmitted patients, the largest proportions were middle-aged (40–65 years, 27.03%) and older adults (≥65 years, 22.38%), with males accounting for 58.14%. Readmissions occurred primarily under medical services (48.54%), followed by pediatrics (38.00%) and surgery (13.37%). The most frequent causes were unimproved clinical condition (26%), new signs or symptoms (24%), dialysis-related needs (12%), and missed follow-up or consultation (11%). Overall, 57% of readmissions were associated with potentially preventable or system-related factors, suggesting gaps in discharge readiness and continuity of care. These findings indicate that early rehospitalizations cluster among medically complex and vulnerable populations and may be reduced through strengthened discharge planning, coordinated follow-up, and targeted risk-based interventions to support safer transitions from hospital to home.