Factors Affecting Inappropriate Hospital Patient Stay in the General Surgical Units at Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt

Abstract

Reduction of the inappropriate hospital patient stay for hospitals has been an important issue for healthcare policy-makers and practitioners. Understanding factors influencing the likelihood of inappropriate hospital patient stay is critical in developing healthcare policy for reducing inappropriate hospital utilization. Hence, the present study aims to determine factors of inappropriate hospital patient stay in the general surgical units. Design: Descriptive study design was used in the present study. Methods: The study is conducted in four general surgical inpatient units at Mansoura University Hospital. The study sample consisted of 168 patients and their records who were admitted to the selected setting throughout the period of study. The data will be collected by using two tools namely; Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (AEP) Form and Inappropriate Evaluation Form. Results: The rate of inappropriateness of hospital patient stay is higher than appropriate patient stay in surgical units. Premature patient admission in the surgical units for pre-operative, delay in surgical decisions for surgical patients and inadequate outpatient diagnostic approach for postoperative patients are the most factors lead to inappropriate patient stay. Conclusions: A major findings concluded inappropriate use of hospital stay during pre-operatory and post-operative care affects the efficiency of bed utilization.

Key words: Length-Of-Stay, Inappropriateness Hospital Stay, Appropriateness Hospital Stay, Unnecessary Hospitalization, Appropriate Evaluation Protocol (AEP).