Occupational therapy and hospital readmissions

Hospital readmissions have been associated with worsening prognosis, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality. Occupational therapy interventions can be effective in reducing hospital readmissions for some patients admitted to hospitals for surgeries or with acute medical conditions. (i.e., contextual factors, functional needs, and social needs) Some research shows that occupational therapy is the only service where additional spending results in lower readmission rates. Many hospital readmissions are avoidable.