An analysis of the factors affecting the average length of stay in the otolaryngology unit.
Specific factors which have an influence on the average length of stay in the otolaryngology unit of a University Hospital are studied; the patients are covered by some type of insurance and have no out-of-pocket expenses. The effect of the following variables on the average length of stay is evaluated: age, sex and type of pathology. The periods of hospitalisation are significantly longer (Mann-Whitney test) in males (p < 0.0001), in older patients (p < 0.008) and in the case of tumours, which prolong the period of stay especially of males (p < 0.0001). It is suggested that the shorter stay in the case of females may be conditioned by social and family factors.
Cuchi
A
A
Hospital Clínico y Provincial de Barcelona y Facultad de Medicina, Barcelona, Spain.
Bayas
J M
JM
Lledó
R
R
Bohigas
L
L
Sentís
J
J
Asenjo
M A
MA
D000367:Age Factors; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005260:Female; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D013503:Surgery Department, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data