1. Factors associated with length of stay in a mid-sized, urban hospice.
- Author
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Somova MJ, Somov PG, Lawrence JC, and Frantz TT
- Subjects
- Diagnosis-Related Groups statistics & numerical data, Female, Health Services Research, Humans, Insurance, Health statistics & numerical data, Male, Medicine statistics & numerical data, New York, Racial Groups, Referral and Consultation statistics & numerical data, Religion, Retrospective Studies, Risk Factors, Specialization, Hospices statistics & numerical data, Hospitals, Urban statistics & numerical data, Length of Stay statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
A recent study by Frantz et al. investigated the relationship between length of stay (LOS) and several factors in a small, rural hospice and found significant differences in LOS by primary physician specialty, referral source, and diagnosis (American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care, March/April 1999). The purpose of the present study was to replicate and extend the Frantz et al. study in a midsized, urban hospice setting and to examine the relationship of LOS with additional variables, such as living status, discharge status, race, and religion. Significant differences in LOS by gender, diagnosis, physician specialty, referral source, type of insurance, living status, and discharge status were found. No significant differences in LOS were found by race, religion, and place of death. Results are interpreted in the light of previous research findings regarding LOS and in the context of the sample size. Strategies are suggested for increasing patients' LOS.
- Published
- 2000
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