Studies on factors related to delayed discharge of elderly patients from university hospitals

Abstract

Purpose: To elucidate factors associated with delayed discharge of elderly patients from university hospitals in Japan. Methods: Questionnaires were sent to all 125 Japanese university hospitals during the period from January, 18 through March, 25, 2004. Thirty-four possible reasons for the delayed discharge were analyzed. Results: Family issues were the most common reason for delayed discharge nationwide. Medical treatment was a factor in delayed discharge in metropolitan areas where university hospitals were under pressure to reduce the mean hospital stay. The lack of chronic beds was identified as a factor associated with delayed discharge. However, the low quality of care at institutes in rural areas may possibly cause delayed discharge, despite adequate number of chronic beds. Conclusions: Despite the Japanese government encouraging the care of elderly people at home, the present study shows that the leading cause of delayed discharge is that families cannot accept elderly patients directly from university hospitals. Even if the number of chronic beds were to increase, the quality of care provided would not be adequate to allow a smooth transition of elderly patients from university hospitals to such chronic beds in some areas.