28-day readmission rates. Key performance indicator literature review – February 2023

Readmission to inpatient mental health services is indicative of unmet need. Readmission is more likely to happen in the first 4 weeks after discharge. Understanding the factors that increase people’s likelihood of readmission and identifying approaches to reduce readmission rates is key to addressing people’s mental health challenges. This helps to ensure tāngata whai ora (people seeking wellness) are prepared to live well in the community and improve service outcomes. The Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Programme, Mental Health and Addiction, Aotearoa New Zealand includes the ‘acute inpatient 28-day readmission indicator’. This measures the proportion of tāngata whai ora who return to inpatient mental health services within 28 days after discharge.

This rapid literature review summarises the evidence base for the 28-day readmission indicator. It aims to develop a better understanding of the indicator and how it compares to those used internationally. It aims to develop a better understanding of the indicator and how it compares to those used internationally.

Click here to read the report