title: Predictors of time to discharge in patients hospitalized for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In Japan, more than 50,000 patients with dementia are housed in psychiatric facilities, a trend precipitated by prolonged hospitalizations. This study aimed to determine predictors for the time to discharge in patients hospitalized for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical charts of patients admitted to an acute psychogeriatric ward for treatment of BPSD were reviewed. Cox's proportional hazards model was used to evaluate relationships between active behavioral problems and/or demographics at the time of admission, and the time until favorable discharge (FD), defined as discharge to the patient's own home or a care facility.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For the 402 study patients included in this study, median time to FD was 101 days. In addition to family and residential factors, multivariate analysis identified higher Mini-Mental State Examination scores as independent clinical predictors for a shorter hospital stay, whereas male gender and combative behavior as the primary reason for hospital admission were predictors for a longer hospital stay.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinical characteristics can be predictive of the time to discharge for patients with BPSD. Earlier interventions and enhanced care strategies may be needed for patients with a lower likelihood of FD.
authors: Department of Neuropsychiatry, Ishikawa Prefectural Takamatsu Hospital, Kahoku City, Japan.
authors: Tatsuru
authors: T
authors: Kitamura
authors: Maki
authors: M
authors: Kitamura
authors: Shoryoku
authors: S
authors: Hino
authors: Koichi
authors: K
authors: Kurata
keywords: Behavioral disorders; Dementia; Length of hospitalization; Patient care management; Predictors; Psychiatric symptoms
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