The mythical readmissions explosion

Abstract

During the past decade and a half, readmissions increased substantially as a proportion of all admissions to state mental hospitals, and the absolute number of readmissions appeared to rise. These trends were interpreted widely, but incorrectly, as reflecting an accelerated rate of return to the hospitals by discharge patients. Most of the rise in the readmission percentage in New York State mental health facilities was due to a drop in first admissions, and the apparent increase in the number of readmissions was entirely accounted for by several statistical artifacts. There was no appreciable increase in the rate of patients' rehospitalization within given periods of time after their release.