The risk-adjusted readmission rates ("unplanned rehospitalizations", simplified "relapse rates") in 2021 show some significant differences. It is encouraging that 41 of 164 monitored hospitals have a significantly below-average number of relapses. However, significantly increased rates were found in 34 hospitals.
As in previous years, the Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG) perform significantly better with a risk-adjusted readmission rate of 5.6% within one month after discharge. The other university hospitals in Bern (Insel), Zurich, Basel and Lausanne (CHUV) again have significantly increased readmission rates.
The Hôpital de Rennaz (HRC) and the Schulthess Klinik in Zurich shine with significantly lower readmission rates.
Very low readmission rates are found in surgical and other speciality clinics, most of which are private clinics. Whether these good results can be attributed to particularly good treatment processes or the visiting doctor system, where patients are further cared for by the same doctor after their discharge, cannot be derived from the figures.
5.0
5.0
4.9
4.8
4.8
4.8
4.7
4.7
4.6
4.6
4.6
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.4
4.3
4.3
4.2
4.2
4.2
4.2
4.1
4.1
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
3.9
3.9
3.8
3.8
3.8
3.7
3.6
3.6
3.6
3.6
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.4
3.4
3.4
3.3
3.3
3.3
3.3
3.3
3.3
3.3
3.3
3.3
3.2
3.2
3.2
3.1
3.1
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
2.9
2.9
2.8
2.8
2.8
2.8
2.8
2.8
2.7
2.7
2.7
2.7
2.7
2.6
2.6
2.6
2.6
2.6
2.6
2.6
2.6
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.4
2.4
2.4
2.4
2.4
2.4
2.4
2.4
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.1
2.1
2.1
2.1
2.1
2.1
2.1
2.1
2.1
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.8
1.8
1.8
1.8
1.8
1.7
1.7
1.7
1.6
1.6
1.5
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.2
1.2
1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.5
0.1
0.1
Since 2018, the ANQ has been publishing data on the frequency of rehospitalizations - unfortunately, however, only for hospitals in the acute care sector. In 2021, he improved the methodology and now refers to the key figure as "unplanned rehospitalisations". This indicator shows how often patients have to return to hospital after a hospital stay.
An "unplanned hospital readmission" occurs when a patient has to be readmitted to hospital within one month of a hospital stay for the same health problem. This can be an indication that the treatment was not sustainable and that the health problems have recurred.
A hospital stay is stressful for patients and can be associated with high costs. A low readmission rate means that the treatment in the hospital was successful and that patients recover more quickly.