Patient discharge from the ICU is indicated on the basis of clinical evidence and the result of strategies aimed at improving health care. Nevertheless, some patients might be discharged too early. We attempted to identify risk factors for unplanned ICU readmission, using a score for risk assessment, designated the Stability and Workload Index for Transfer (SWIFT) score. We evaluated 100 patients discharged from an ICU and found that the SWIFT score can be used as a tool for improving the assessment of ICU patients and the appropriateness of ICU discharge, thus preventing readmission.
Daiane Ferreira Oakes, Ingrid Nemitz Krás Borges, Luiz Alberto Forgiarini Junior, and Marcelo de Mello Rieder.
Methodist University Center, Porto Alegre Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil, Physiotherapist. Methodist University Center, Porto Alegre Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
J Bras Pneumol. 2014 Jan 1;40(1):73-6.
AbstractPatient discharge from the ICU is indicated on the basis of clinical evidence and the result of strategies aimed at improving health care. Nevertheless, some patients might be discharged too early. We attempted to identify risk factors for unplanned ICU readmission, using a score for risk assessment, designated the Stability and Workload Index for Transfer (SWIFT) score. We evaluated 100 patients discharged from an ICU and found that the SWIFT score can be used as a tool for improving the assessment of ICU patients and the appropriateness of ICU discharge, thus preventing readmission.