Length of stay as risk factor for inappropriate hospital days: interaction with patient age and co‐morbidity

摘要: Rationale, aims and objectives  The likelihood of a hospital day being inappropriate depends on patient characteristics, the organization in-hospital care co-ordination between rest health sector. aim study was to assess if certain socio-demographic medical factors affect stay including possible interactions age co-morbidity. Methods  To determine appropriateness length hospitalization, prospective carried out using European version Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (AEP). A total 438 days analysed in wards university-affiliated teaching North Italy for 3 September 2010. Results  44.6% hospitalization were classified as inappropriate. Unjustified use more frequent patients whose exceeded 10 days. Age co-morbidity not per se risk inappropriateness; however, young hospitalized than days, absence chronic illness predictor. Conservative management, lack discharge planning delays scheduling diagnostic tests or therapeutic interventions most common causal contributory doctor- hospital-related factors. Conclusions  Doctor attitudes are still among reasons care. Monitoring whether is appropriate combined with protocol diagnosis, treatment likely improve efficiency this area