Predictive value of the Rothman index for unplanned 90-day readmission rates following hospital discharge in oral cancer patients.

This study aims to evaluate the predictive capability of the Rothman Index in determining unplanned readmissions within 90 days after discharge for oral cancer patients. The consecutive recruitment was carried out from May 1, 2020, to May 31, 2023, at the outpatient department of Ruijin Hospital of Medical College of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai Hospital. The evaluation is based on internationally recognized clinical evaluation indicators. A total of 125 recruited patients were grouped as per the presence (n=13) or absence (n=112) of unplanned readmissions within 90 days after discharge. Electronic medical records and patient follow-up records were used to collect details, including gender, age, body mass index, associated conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, treatment approach, and pathological type. In addition, the Rothman Index, postoperative complications, and rates of unplanned readmissions within 90 days post-discharge were assessed following previous literature. Although there was no significant difference in gender, body mass index, and length of hospital stay between the groups (P > 0.05), age, smoking and alcohol consumption history, and the Rothman Index exhibited significant variations (P < 0.05). The Rothman Index was found to be the most strongly correlated with unplanned readmissions within 90 days and could be incorporated in a prediction model. The area under the curve (AUC), as highlighted in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, for predicting unplanned readmissions within 90 days post-discharge was 0.930, using Rothman Index. This suggests that the Rothman Index could be an effective tool in managing risk in clinical settings due to its potential to accurately predict the rate of unplanned readmissions for oral cancer patients within 90 days of discharge.