Effect of Video Call Follow-up at Chulabhorn Hospital on Readmission Rates in Metastatic Cancer Patients after Palliative Care
Ruechuta Molek, MNS¹, Piyarat Limpawittayakul, MD², Prach Kosarussawadee, MD³, Sujinda Kriangsamut, MPA¹, Jirada Kaewchuchuen, PhD⁴, Phongthara Vichitvejpaisal, MD, PhD⁵
Affiliation : ¹ Inpatient Department, Chulabhorn Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand; ² Medical Oncology, Chulabhorn Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand; ³ Chulabhorn Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand; ⁴ Department of Foundation Nursing, Princess Agrarajakumari Faculty of Nursing, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand; ⁵ Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background: Metastatic cancer patients often require palliative care to alleviate symptoms and preserve quality of life. Nevertheless, unplanned hospital readmissions remain a significant concern, suggesting potential gaps in continuity of care and post-discharge support.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of video call follow-up using the Chulabhorn Assessment Form in enhancing patient self-care and reducing unplanned hospital readmissions among metastatic cancer patients after palliative care.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive, prospective cohort study was conducted at Chulabhorn Hospital between July 2023 and January 2024. One hundred eighty metastatic cancer patients were enrolled. Video call follow-ups were conducted on days one, seven, and twenty-eight post-discharge to provide emotional support, assess symptoms, and encourage self-care. Variables such as distress scores and previous unplanned readmissions were analyzed using logistic regression.
Results: Patients with a history of unplanned readmissions were significantly more likely to be readmitted within 28 days, even with video call follow-up (adjusted OR 11.13, 95% CI 4.38 to 28.27, p<0.001). High distress scores, of 4 or greater, were also strongly associated with increased readmission risk (p<0.001). While video calls enabled nurses to assess patients’ home environments and provide timely advice, certain high-risk patients remained vulnerable to readmission.
Conclusion: Video call follow-up using the Chulabhorn Assessment Form provides valuable insights into patients’ needs and supports self-care. However, it alone is insufficient to prevent hospital readmissions in all cases. Targeted interventions for high-risk patients are essential. Nurses play a crucial role in identifying these patients and delivering individualized post-discharge care.
Received 20 October 2025 | Revised 15 January 2026 | Accepted 16 January 2026
DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2026.3.03341
Keywords : Chulabhorn Assessment Form; Metastatic cancer; Palliative care; Unplanned readmissions; Video call follow-up
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