Predicting hospital length of stay for geriatric and adult patients with schizophrenia

Abstract

Objective: To determine predictors of psychiatric hospital length of stay (LOS) for geriatric and adult patients with schizophrenia admitted to inpatient beds, that could be determined within 72 hours of hospitalization. Methods: General linear models were used to identify and compare predictors of LOS for 187 geriatric patients and 881 general adult patients with schizophrenia admitted to a large urban mental health centre between 2005 and 2010. Demographic and clinical information were obtained from the Resident Assessment Inventory – Mental Health (RAI). Results: Increased dependence score on the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale predicted longer LOS in general adult but not in geriatric schizophrenia patients. Predictors of longer LOS irrespective of age group included recent psychiatric admissions, living alone and incapacity to make treatment decisions. Conclusions: Specific clinical characteristics are associated with longer hospitalization in patients with schizophrenia. Addressing these factors early on in the admission may result in shorter LOS and better use of resources.