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The objective of the study is to examine the 90-day readmission rate and identify the predictors for 90-day readmissions at a geriatric ward in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. A secondary analysis of case–control data was performed. Data of patients discharged from a geriatric ward between January 2015 and January 2016 were retrieved from an existing data set. Out of 564 index admissions involving older adults, the 90-day geriatric readmission rate was 10.1%. Activities of daily living dependency (odds ratio [OR]: 0.988, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.978, 0.999]) and living with the spouse (OR: 2.988, 95% CI: [1.388, 6.432]) were identified as significant predictors of 90-day geriatric readmissions. The study suggests that rehabilitation to restore the geriatric patient’s ability to perform daily activities and adequate caregiver training for the spouse are essential in reducing geriatric readmissions. Also, postdischarge follow-up with both the patient and caregiver can greatly reduce the risk of readmission in geriatric patients.

Gout is a chronic disease that is on a rising trend and greatly affects one’s physical and psychosocial well-being. The aim of this study was to explore patients’ perceptions of living with gout. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted and 15 adults with gout were interviewed face-to-face between December 2014 and January 2015. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcribed data. The experiences of patients with gout were found to revolve around four themes: emotional experiences with gout, disruptions in daily lives, interactions with doctor, and coping with gout using internal and external resources. The in-depth understanding of the patients’ experiences indicates a need to provide holistic patient education and to involve family members to create nurse-led support groups and to raise public awareness regarding gout.