Chronic non-communicable diseases and personal history in readmitted patients and occupational therapy contribution

AbstractObjectivesTo identify non-communicable chronic diseases and personal history and the frequency of the latter in patients readmitted in a general hospital, as well as determine the contribution of occupational therapy in this context.MethodThe presented study included 544 participants readmitted in a General Hospital. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysis of medical records.ResultsThe participants were predominantly elderly, male, married, retired, with schooling up to the 4th grade. Most of them presented two readmissions and the main reasons for the current hospitalization were respiratory diseases, pain, and urinary and surgical wound disorders. The most frequent personal history included hypertension and diabetes, with frequency of two individuals.DiscussionThis study showed a prevalence of elderly who, due to the aging process, use health services more often, with the consequent increase in admissions and readmissions and their high costs. There was a high percentage of chronic diseases and personal history. We identified the need for effective strategies and actions in the primary and secondary sectors to decrease the number of readmissions and their high costs. As part of the multidisciplinary team, the work of occupational therapists with this population becomes relevant through preventive actions with better cost-effectiveness.