Outcomes of unplanned transfers from subacute to acute care

The aim of this study published in Australian Health Review, was to examine the timing and outcomes of patients requiring an unplanned transfer from subacute to acute care within  four Victorian health services from 1 January to 31 December 2010. Data were collected using retrospective audit.
The study found that there is a high rate of unplanned transfers to acute care within 24 h of admission to subacute care and unplanned transfers are associated with high hospital admission and in-hospital mortality rates. Physiological assessment was infrequent and incomplete in most patients who had an unplanned transfer from subacute to acute care. The analysis of the subacute to acute care
interface has highlighted the need to improve systems for recognising and responding to deteriorating patients in subacute care settings.

Considine, Julie, Street, Maryann, Botti, Mari, O’Connell, Bev, Kent, Bridie, and Dunning AM, Trisha (2015). Multisite analysis of the timing and outcomes of unplanned transfers from subacute to acute care. Aust. Health Review 39 (4), 387–394.