What affects length of hospital stay? A case study from Malta

What is it about?

Hospital length of stay (LOS) is not only a function of patient- and disease-related factors, but is also determined by other health system-wide variables. Managers and clinicians strive to achieve the best possible trade-off between patients’ needs and efficient utilization of hospital resources, while also embracing ethical decision-making. This study, which is performed in Malta, shows that LOS is related to hospital structure, processes and outcomes, all of which can be modified to achieve optimal LOS and quality of care.

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