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Factors Associated with Bed-Blocking at a University Hospital (Cantabria, Spain) between 2007 and 2015: A Retrospective Observational Study

Author

Listed:
  • Amada Pellico-López

    (Care Continuity Coordinator, Área VI SESPA, Urbanización Castañeda s/n. C.P., 33540 Arriondas, Principado de Asturias, Spain
    Research Group on Public Economics and Health, GIECONPSALUD, University of Cantabria, Avda de los Castros s/n. C.P., 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain)

  • David Cantarero

    (Research Group on Public Economics and Health, GIECONPSALUD, University of Cantabria, Avda de los Castros s/n. C.P., 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
    Faculty of Economics, University of Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n. C.P., 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain)

  • Ana Fernández-Feito

    (Nursing Area, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oviedo / ISPA. Avda Julián Clavería s/n. C.P., 33006 Oviedo, Principado de Asturias, Spain)

  • Paula Parás-Bravo

    (Research Group on Public Economics and Health, GIECONPSALUD, University of Cantabria, Avda de los Castros s/n. C.P., 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
    Faculty of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Avda Valdecilla s/n. C.P., 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
    IDIVAL, Grupo de Investigación en Enfermería. C/ Cardenal Herrera Oria s/n. C.P., 39011 Santander, Cantabria, Spain)

  • Joaquín Cayón de las Cuevas

    (Facultad de Derecho, University of Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n. C.P., 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
    IDIVAL, GI Derecho Sanitario y Bioética, GRIDES, C/ Cardenal Herrera Oria s/n. C.P., 39011 Santander, Cantabria, Spain)

  • María Paz-Zulueta

    (Research Group on Public Economics and Health, GIECONPSALUD, University of Cantabria, Avda de los Castros s/n. C.P., 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
    Faculty of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Avda Valdecilla s/n. C.P., 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
    IDIVAL, GI Derecho Sanitario y Bioética, GRIDES, C/ Cardenal Herrera Oria s/n. C.P., 39011 Santander, Cantabria, Spain)

Abstract

Current studies on bed-blocking or delayed discharge for non-medical reasons report important variations depending on the country or setting under study. Research on this subject is clearly important as the current system reveals major inefficiencies. Although there is some agreement on the patient-related factors that contribute to the phenomenon, such as older age or a lack of functional ability, there is greater variability regarding environmental or organizational factors. This study sought to quantify the number of cases and days inappropriately spent in hospital and identify patient characteristics and healthcare service use associated with the total length of stay. All cases of delayed discharge were studied at the hospitalization units of a general university hospital in Northern Spain between 2007 and 2015. According to regression estimates, the following characteristics were related to a longer stay: higher complexity through (Diagnosis-Related Group) DRG weight, a diagnosis that implied a lack of functional ability, surgical treatment, having to wait for a destination upon final discharge or return home. After an initial increase, a reduction in delayed discharge was observed, which was maintained for the duration of the study period. Multi-component interventions related with discharge planning can favor a reduced inefficiency with fewer unnecessary stays.

Suggested Citation

  • Amada Pellico-López & David Cantarero & Ana Fernández-Feito & Paula Parás-Bravo & Joaquín Cayón de las Cuevas & María Paz-Zulueta, 2019. "Factors Associated with Bed-Blocking at a University Hospital (Cantabria, Spain) between 2007 and 2015: A Retrospective Observational Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-13, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:18:p:3304-:d:265384
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tor Holmås & Mohammad Kamrul Islam & Egil Kjerstad, 2013. "Between two beds: inappropriately delayed discharges from hospitals," International Journal of Health Economics and Management, Springer, vol. 13(3), pages 201-217, December.
    2. James Gaughan & Hugh Gravelle & Rita Santos & Luigi Siciliani, 2017. "Long-term care provision, hospital bed blocking, and discharge destination for hip fracture and stroke patients," International Journal of Health Economics and Management, Springer, vol. 17(3), pages 311-331, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Moura, Ana, 2022. "Do subsidized nursing homes and home care teams reduce hospital bed-blocking? Evidence from Portugal," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).

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