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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 June 2018
Background: Unplanned hospital readmission is inconvenient for patients, puts them at risk of harm, and is a resource strain. We reviewed available literature on risk factors for readmission following discharge specifically from neurology inpatient services with a focus on factors unique to non-stroke neurology admissions. Methods: We conducted a systematic search using PRISMA methodology of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases up to January 1, 2018. Two independent reviewers screened articles for inclusion. English-language articles were included that identified factors related to hospital readmission after discharge from a neurology service. Admissions with stroke as the primary focus were excluded. Results: Of 9508 unique abstracts, 25 met inclusion criteria and were included for review. Multiple factors impacting probability of readmission were identified including age, living alone, history of nonepileptic seizure, length of stay, services consulted during hospital stay, hospital volume, and severity of illness. Conclusions: There are identifiable risk factors that influence likelihood of readmission to hospital following discharge from neurology inpatient services, although the non-stroke literature is sparse. There is a need for future prospective work to investigate modifiable risk factors and opportunities to reduce readmission rates and improve patient safety.