Study population
comorbidity, impaired nutritional status
DISEASES
The inclusion criteria in this study were few and broad, resulting in a rather unselected and heterogeneous population. Thus, the group comprised patients representing various of conditions, diseases and severities. This unselected patient group could lead to a null effect. A systematic review found a pronounced positive intervention impact among patients categorised as ‘high risk’ compared to unselected patients [Older medical patients are a complex population characterised by severe diseases, comorbidity, polypharmacy, impaired nutritional status, reduced physical or mental functionality and limited ability to care for oneself [The sub-group analysis found a weak statistical significant association between abnormal sodium and potassium levels and the risk of 30-day readmission. However, we would need further research to explain a possible causal relationship.It is also important to remember that not all readmissions are preventable, as they are an expected part of a patient trajectory in this ageing patient group. It has previously been estimated that 23–36% of all readmissions are preventable, depending on the timespan between discharge and readmission [