Causes of early hospital readmission in hospice patients at a comprehensive oncology center in Jordan: a retrospective descriptive study

Early readmissions among hospice patients remain common, despite goals to minimize them. This issue remains underexplored in the Middle East. This study describes the primary causes of hospital readmission from hospice settings and reports patient characteristics observed among readmitted cases at a comprehensive oncology center in Jordan. A total of 163 readmissions were analyzed, representing 133 unique patients. The median age was 59 years (range: 18–88), and 51.9% were female. 72.2% had at least one comorbidity, predominantly cardiovascular (83.3%). Gastrointestinal cancers were the most common primary diagnosis (27.8%). Prior to readmission, 71.8% were receiving home hospice care, and 63.8% had Full Code status. The median Palliative Performance Scale was 40. Uncontrolled conditions accounted for 56.4% of readmissions, primarily worsening infections, and uncontrolled pain, while unanticipated new medical issues contributed to 52.8%. Caregiver distress was documented in 12.3% of cases. More than half of patients (54.0%) died during hospitalization. Within seven days of discharge, hospice patients in our center were readmitted most commonly for uncontrolled symptoms and new medical issues. These descriptive findings may help target quality improvement in symptom management, discharge planning, documentation of end‑of‑life preferences, and transitions between hospice and hospital services. Not applicable.