[Patient characteristics with predictive significance for 'blocked bed' problems in the neurological department of a general hospital].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the extent and the prognostic patient characteristics of bed-blocking (hospital beds occupied by patients who no longer need specialist medical treatment) in the neurological ward of a general hospital.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Maasland hospital Sittard-Geleen (location Sittard).


METHODS
During one year each patient of the complete patient population of two neurological wards was registered relating to: main diagnosis, age, sex, living situation, lesion localisation (only for cerebrovascular accident (CVA) patients) and bed-blocking. The predictive patient characteristics for bed-blocking were determined by logistic regression analysis.


RESULTS
1088 patients were registered, of whom 21% with a CVA. In 10% of the registered patients bed-blocking occurred, 86% of these had the diagnosis of CVA. Of all CVA patients 40% became bed-blockers. Of all nursing days of CVA patients 20% were bed-blocking days. Among the CVA patients sex (female), age (> or = 70), and the localisation of the lesion were found to be significant risk factors for bed-blocking. The main patient characteristics predictive for bed-blocking were the diagnosis of CVA and age > or = 70 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Neurological patients with an increased risk to end up in a blocked bed are mainly found among CVA patients. Since 20% of the nursing days of CVA patients were bed-blocking days, shortening of hospitalization time and improvement of home care is recommended.
Hermans
E
E
Maaslandziekenhuis, afd. Neurologie, Sittard.
Anten
H W
HW
Diederiks
J P
JP
Philipsen
H
H
Beeren
H W
HW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001513:Beds / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006300:Health Services Misuse; D006748:Hospital Departments; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D009462:Neurology; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies
Patiëntkenmerken met voorspellende betekenis voor 'verkeerde-bedproblematiek' op de neurologische afdeling van een algemeen ziekenhuis.