These researchers used New Zealand Ministry of Health data on hospitalisation and mortality to examine rates of medical readmissions among older people in New Zealand. Of 95,318 acute medical admissions in ≥65-year-olds during the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010, 16.1% of admissions were followed by a readmission within 30 days. Within 90 days, 27.8% (of admissions were followed by a readmission. The risk of readmission was greater in Māori and Pacific people compared with other ethnic groups. Increasing age, male gender and increased deprivation were also associated with increased risk of readmission. People being readmitted had more complex and costly illnesses and suffered poorer outcomes.
