Thirty‐day readmission, length of stay and self‐management behaviour among patients with acute coronary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A scoping review

Aims and Objectives To summarise the current evidence on comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) related to 30‐day readmission and hospital length of stay (LOS) among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and evidence on the effectiveness of self‐management programmes for patients with both conditions. Background Acute coronary syndrome and T2DM remain two major diseases leading to serious consequences. Thirty‐day readmission and LOS were considered indicators of the quality of care, with the understanding that the potential significant effects of these outcomes could be varied. Design This scoping review followed the methodology described by Arksey and O'Malley. Methods Five databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched, and a total of 20 articles involving 913,807 patients were included. Results were reported in accordance with PRISMA‐ScR guidelines. Results The results indicated that patients with both ACS and T2DM have prolonged LOS and increased 30‐day readmission rates. The findings supported that improvements in patient self‐management behaviour for optimal health outcomes were partially successful by effective self‐management programmes; however, few articles on intervention programmes specifically designed for patients with two conditions were found. Conclusion Prolonged LOS and increased 30‐day readmission rates are found among patients with ACS and T2DM. Based on few pilot studies building on each other, the effectiveness of self‐management programmes in promoting self‐care behaviour, self‐efficacy and knowledge for patients with ACS and T2DM cannot be concluded. Relevance to clinical practice Findings from this review provide valuable information on and a better understanding of readmissions and LOS among patients with ACS and T2DM for healthcare providers. Future developments and implementations of effective self‐management programmes should target patients with dual diagnoses to improve health behaviour and reduce readmission and LOS.