Keywords
Patient Readmission
Quality of Life
Obesity
Nursing-led Interventions
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction. Bariatric surgery is a critical intervention for morbid obesity, yet 30-day hospital readmission rates remain a significant challenge for patient’s quality of life and healthcare sustainability. Despite its relevance, a scientific gap remains regarding the synthesis of nursing-led management models. This review aims to identify and categorize clinical and psychosocial predictors and causes of readmission and describe nursing-led interventions and organizational strategies designed to reduce the healthcare burden.
Methods and Materials. A structured narrative review was conducted following SANRA guidelines. Based on a PICO framework, a search was performed across MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases between February - October 2024, with an integrative update conducted in December 2025. The review included studies published from January 2014 to December 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on studies describing specialized nursing interventions and outcomes like readmission or reoperation. Two independent reviewers performed the screening, resolving discrepancies via third party consensus.
Results. A total of 32 articles were included. Major predictors for readmission include a preoperative BMI >45 kg/m², surgical technique and low socioeconomic status. The most frequent clinical causes are often preventable, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Major nursing strategies include structured patient education, specialized bariatric nursing, and digital health tools for proactive monitoring. Nurse case management emerged as a core strategy for coordinating multidisciplinary care
Discussion. Preventing readmissions requires an analytical shift toward nursing-led risk stratification and proactive surveillance. Specialized nurses and case managers act as strategic bridges to healthcare equity, overcoming socioeconomic and geographical barriers. Implementing autonomous nursing roles is essential for the long-term sustainability of bariatric programs, ensuring both clinical excellence and equitable care distribution, optimizing outcomes, improving patients’ quality of life and reducing hospital readmission rates.
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