Multidisciplinary protocol to reduce surgical readmissions in Australia: American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

Introduction: Unplanned readmissions in general surgery are an important quality indicator of patient care and are associated with increased costs to healthcare services. This study aims to implement a multidisciplinary protocol in a single institution in a tertiary referral hospital to monitor and reduce unplanned readmission rates.

Methods: A prospective cohort study using an institution-based protocol was conducted over an 18-month period including patients undergoing a general surgical procedure.