Nonmedical bed-days for stroke patients admitted to acute-care hospitals in Montreal, Canada

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Reducing the amount of nonoptimal time stroke patients spend in the hospital should be a priority because prolonged hospitalization is not only costly but may be detrimental for persons with stroke through deconditioning, social isolation, and the fostering of dependent relationships. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of time spent by stroke patients in acute-care hospitals that was not justified for medical reasons and to identify mechanisms contributing to nonmedical bed-days. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed with 2232 persons admitted for acute stroke to one of 13 hospitals in Montreal, Canada, during 1991. Information was collected on the patient, the stroke, functional status, course in hospital, services, and discharge. Nonmedical bed-days were calculated as the difference between the time to meet specified criteria and time of discharge. Associations with nonmedical bed-days were estimated with adjustment for patient mix. RESULTS: Acute-care stay averaged 27 days, yielding 60,279 bed-days. Almost 50% of the cohort remained in the hospital after meeting criteria for medical discharge, resulting in 43% of total bed-days not accounted for medically. Fifty percent of persons with delayed discharge did not go home but were discharged to another acute-care hospital or to rehabilitation or long-term care, accounting for 66% of the nonmedical bed-days. Hospital and discharge destination remained strongly associated with nonmedical days, even after adjustment for patient mix. CONCLUSIONS: The single greatest contributor to excessive nonmedical stay appeared to be the need in Quebec for increased access to alternate levels of care, including skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers.