Delay in discharge and its impact on unnecessary hospital bed occupancy

Abstract

Background: Elderly patients are potentially more vulnerable to prolonged hospital stay as they frequently require additional resources to facilitate their discharge. In an acute hospital setting, we aimed to quantify and compare length of stay (LOS) for all patients over and under the age of 65, and identify the number and cause of days lost under the care of a single surgical unit. Methods. Over a 4 month period from January to April 2010, data on the management and source of potential delay was collected daily on consecutive patients admitted and discharged under the care of one consultant surgeon at a district general hospital. Statistical analysis was then performed with particular focus on actual delays affecting elderly patients. Results: A total of 99 complete inpatients episodes were recorded. There were 30 elective and 69 acute admissions. 10 (33%) elective vs. 42 (61%) acute patients encountered delays, losing 39 and 232 days respectively (χ2 [1, N=99]=6.36, p=.012). 23 of a total 39 elderly patients admitted acutely required specialist care of the elderly opinion and placement in community hospitals resulting in delays of 188 days. vs. 36 days for the 16 discharged home and 8 days for 30 patients under 65 (χ2 (2, N=69)=26.54, p=