To systematically summarize COPD-related readmission rates within 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after hospital discharge, and to identify factors associated with COPD-related readmission.
Approach:
Database Search: Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to October 1, 2026, to identify observational studies reporting COPD-related readmission.
Quality Assessment: Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cohort and case–control studies and an adapted NOS for cross-sectional studies.
Data Analysis: Pooled estimates of readmission rates and factors associated with readmission among patients with COPD were calculated using random-effects models.
Key Findings:
A total of 54 studies were included, reporting 25 outcome indicators.
Pooled readmission rates after discharge were 15.2% within 1 month, 26.90% within 3 months, 30.40% within 6 months, and 42.10% within 1 year.
A total of 26 factors associated with readmission were identified.
The methodological quality of the included studies was moderate to high.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
Substantial differences across studies in reported readmission rates, follow-up periods, study populations, healthcare settings, and regions.
Variability in effect sizes and relative contributions of associated factors across studies.
