The Effect of Length of Stay and Discharge Disposition on Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Scores in Orthopaedic Patients

Background The study assesses whether Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores were influenced by hospital length of stay (LOS) and discharge disposition. Methods HCAHPS scores from 5,682 orthopaedic patients were collected over a 4-year period. Statistical analyses were run to identify associations between Top-Box scores for each HCAHPS domain and LOS or discharge disposition (home versus rehabilitation facility). Results Decreased LOS was associated with increased HCAHPS Top-Box scores for every Top-Box domain except for Discharge composite (P ≤ 0.001 to 0.011). Discharge to home was associated with increased HCAHPS scores for four Top-Box domains (P ≤ 0.001 to 0.009). Discussion Shorter LOS and discharge to home after orthopaedic surgery are associated with better HCAHPS scores. Earlier discharge leads to an improved patient-reported experience and can increase reimbursements. Expedient, appropriate discharge of hospitalized orthopaedic patients should be a treatment goal after orthopaedic surgery.