Incidence, risk and impact of unplanned ICU readmission on patient outcomes and resource utilisation in tertiary level ICUs in Nepal.

The study assesses the determinants of risk attributable to unplanned ICU readmission in four ICUs in Kathmandu, Nepal. Despite growing literature on this topic, most of the evidence on incidence, characteristics, associated risk factors and attributable outcomes of unplanned readmission to ICU are from studies performed in high-income countries. In this study, the registry-embedded eCRF reported data on case mix, severity of illness, in-ICU interventions (including organ support), ICU outcome, and readmission characteristics. Data were captured in all adult patients admitted between September 2019 and February 2021. Population and ICU encounter characteristics were compared between those with and without readmission. Independent risk factors for readmission were assessed using univariate analysis. Unplanned ICU readmission rates were adversely associated with significantly poorer outcomes, increased ICU resource utilisation. Clinical and organisational characteristics influenced risk of readmission and outcome.