The Role of Nurses in Reducing Hospital Readmission Rates

Abstract

Background: Hospital readmissions present significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, impacting patient outcomes and healthcare costs. While multiple factors contribute to readmission rates, the role of nursing interventions in preventing unnecessary rehospitalizations remains inadequately explored, particularly in terms of specific strategies and their measurable impacts.
Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing hospital readmission rates, with specific focus on intervention types, timing of implementation, and patient outcomes across different healthcare settings.
Methods: A comprehensive analysis of 52 randomized controlled trials (2017-2024) was conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. Studies were evaluated using the PRISMA framework, with inclusion criteria specifying adult patients at risk for readmission. Primary outcomes included 30-day readmission rates, emergency department visits, and patient satisfaction scores. Secondary outcomes included cost-effectiveness and quality of life measures.
Results: Analysis of 18,456 patients across selected studies revealed that nurse-led interventions resulted in significant reductions in 30-day readmission rates (relative risk reduction: 28.4%; 95% CI: 24.2-32.6; p<0.001). Transitional care programs showed the highest effectiveness (35.7% reduction; p<0.001), followed by medication reconciliation protocols (27.3% reduction; p<0.001), and structured discharge planning (24.8% reduction; p<0.001). Cost analysis demonstrated average savings of $4,845 per prevented readmission (95% CI: $4,125-$5,565; p<0.001).
Conclusions: Nurse-led interventions demonstrate significant effectiveness in reducing hospital readmission rates, particularly when implementing comprehensive transitional care programs. The substantial improvements in patient outcomes and cost savings suggest that investing in nursing-driven readmission prevention strategies should be a priority for healthcare organizations. These findings have important implications for healthcare policy, resource allocation, and the development of evidence-based nursing protocols.