The review summarizes literature-derived estimates of readmission to the ICU, its frequency, structure and risk factors among patients discharged alive from the ICU. While searching NCBI PubMed until November 2017, we have found 51 studies, 9 systematic reviews and metaanalyses. Selected studies of ICU data (risk factors, patients` characteristics, time frame and others), in which readmission to the ICU and/or hospital mortality among patients were reported. According to these health care research resources, which are dedicated to critical care, ICU readmissions are a potential indicator of the hospital performance quality. Currently, there is no consensus on ICU benchmarks for readmission, assessing the frequency, structure and significance. The cumulative incidence of ICU readmission and hospital mortality has significant difference in different geographical regions and healthcare systems; also, the proportion of hospital readmissions, deemed avoidable, is not reliably determined. Causes of potentially preventable readmissions can become avoidable since we know the risk factors. Variation in patient outcomes and variation in ICU discharge practices may be different between ICUs; they depend on the institutional framework. Scales, which are used in the practice of foreign hospitals, have insufficient diagnostic value. Early identification of patients at the highest risk allows to prevent readmission and mortality. These data could support decision making concerning patients` relocation between the ICU and the hospital ward, improving patients’ safety.