Table 7 Overview of methodological aspects of stroke readmission cost and improvement suggestions

Time window

Different time windows for readmission cost calculation.

Discrepancies in readmission costs were identified among different time frames.

Evaluate and give readmission cost in different time windows (≤ 3-month, 6 month, 12-month, > 12 month) whenever possible [79] or give a readmission cost weighted average per month [15]

Readmission Type

Different readmission types were used for readmission cost calculations.

This variability makes it difficult to determine the true impact of stroke in readmission costs.

Report data on costs associated with both types of readmissions (all-cause and cause-specific).

Effect of competing variables

Diverse readmission categories with or without competing variables exclusion, such as mortality, were observed.

Not excluding the patients who died during their index stroke hospitalization, may underestimate the readmission cost.

To understand the diversity of stroke readmission costs it would be advisable to report readmission cost data using all the readmission categories (e.g., per patient, per surviving patient, per surviving patient at the study end).

Different cost data

Inclusion of diverse cost data.

Readmissions accounted for a wide range of direct and total stroke costs. Few studies provided information on non-medical costs.

Studies investigating readmission costs should thoroughly examine the specific impact of readmissions considering both medical and non-medical cost.

Clinical setting and healthcare policies

Readmission may reflect the clinical setting where stroke patients are treated and different healthcare policies.

Specialized stroke unities and care after discharge may influence readmissions [8].

Readmission costs should be linked to the diverse clinical setting and the countries healthcare policies [8, 15].

Readmission cost predictors

Paucity of readmission cost predictors data.

The readmission cost predictors are underreported.

To better allocate healthcare resources future research should include readmission cost predictors.