Emergency department length of stay independently predicts excess inpatient length of stay.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between emergency department length of stay (EDLOS) and inpatient length of stay (IPLOS).


METHODS
Retrospective review of presentations and admissions data.


METHODS
Three metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne, 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001.


METHODS
Mean IPLOS for four categories of EDLOS (</= 4 hours, 4-8 hours, 8-12 hours, >12 hours); excess IPLOS, defined as IPLOS exceeding state average length of stay; odds ratios for excess IPLOS adjusted for age, sex and time of presentation.


RESULTS
17 954 admissions were included. Mean IPLOS for the four categories of EDLOS were </= 4 hours, 3.73 days; 4-8 hours, 5.65 days; 8-12 hours, 6.60 days; > 12 hours, 7.20 days (P < 0.001). The corresponding excess IPLOS were 0.39, 1.30, 1.96 and 2.35 days (P < 0.001). Compared with EDLOS 4-8 hours, odds ratios (95% CIs) for excess IPLOS associated with the other three categories of EDLOS were </= 4 hour, 0.68 (0.63-0.74); 8-12 hours, 1.20 (1.10-1.30); and > 12 hours, 1.49 (1.36-1.63), after adjusting for elderly status, sex and time of ED presentation.


CONCLUSIONS
EDLOS correlates strongly with IPLOS, and predicts whether IPLOS exceeds the state benchmark for the relevant diagnosis-related group, independently of elderly status, sex and time of presentation to ED. Strategies to reduce EDLOS (including countering access block) may significantly reduce healthcare expenditure and patient morbidity.
Liew
Don
D
Emergency Department, Angliss Hospital, Albert St, Upper Ferntree Gully, VIC 3156, Australia. don.liew@angliss.org.au
Liew
Danny
D
Kennedy
Marcus P
MP
D000368:Aged; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014505:Urban Population; D014739:Victoria