A comparative analysis of appropriateness of hospital use

Abstract

This article reports the results of a study undertaken to determine differences in a direct measure of efficiency of hospital utilization - appropriateness. The objectives of this study were threefold: to measure the amount of inappropriate (medically unnecessary) hospital admissions and days of care; to identify the patient, hospital, regional, and seasonal factors associated with inappropriate hospital use; and to identify reasons for continued hospitalization in patients judged to be inappropriately hospitalized.