Key lessons to improve care—factors contributing to delayed discharges and cost implications: medical conditions and rehabilitation delays at a tertiary rehabilitation center in Saudi Arabia

Topic: Risk, prevention and care in population studies

Results reveal the breakdown of factors contributing to delayed discharges, such as medical complications, organizational issues, and family-related factors, which highlight the complexity of the problem. TBI had the highest percentage (37%) compared to other conditions, which may be attributed to the prevalent challenge of cognitive impairment in TBI in addition to physical disability. Problems associated with delayed discharges extend to care coordination, particularly when patients need to transition from inpatient rehabilitation to other settings like home-based care or outpatient services. Such delays can result in suboptimal continuity of care and may introduce potential gaps in the rehabilitation process. Research indicates that extended hospitalization among elderly individuals can result in poorer health outcomes and increase the need for care upon discharge [5]. All of which contribute to significantly increased healthcare costs. Still, there remains a significant knowledge gap about the effects of delayed discharges in the context of inpatient rehabilitation. The population over 60 years of age in Saudi Arabia is projected to rise to 11% in 2030 from 5.5% in 2020, reflecting a significant increase. The impact of delayed discharges extends beyond financial losses, negatively affecting patients in terms of diminished quality of life, reduced productivity, and an increased risk of nosocomial infections, particularly among vulnerable populations [3]. Furthermore, such delays compromise the overall quality and safety of the care provided to individuals seeking rehabilitation. Implementing pathways for early enrollment in rehabilitation programs, building long-term care capacity, enhancing community services, and optimizing family and social support can significantly contribute to promoting early supported discharge.

Key findings

• Results reveal the breakdown of factors contributing to delayed discharges, such as medical complications, organizational issues, and family-related factors, which highlight the complexity of the problem.
• TBI had the highest percentage (37%) compared to other conditions, which may be attributed to the prevalent challenge of cognitive impairment in TBI in addition to physical disability.
• Problems associated with delayed discharges extend to care coordination, particularly when patients need to transition from inpatient rehabilitation to other settings like home-based care or outpatient services.
• Such delays can result in suboptimal continuity of care and may introduce potential gaps in the rehabilitation process.
• Research indicates that extended hospitalization among elderly individuals can result in poorer health outcomes and increase the need for care upon discharge [5].

Why it matters

This study found that delayed discharges from rehabilitation are caused by medical complications, organizational issues, and family-related factors, with traumatic brain injury having the highest percentage. Such delays can lead to poorer health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs.

Study details

• Study designcohort study
• Participants2,285
• Effect size66.7%; or 61.7; 15.7%
• Evidence strengthModerate

Read the original

• DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzae027
• PubMed: 38597888
• Original source →
• Free full text: International Journal for Quality in Health Care →

Full text: free to read — OpenAlex lists this copy as free to read: the link above (checked 6 Feb 1020).

@article{gupta2024-38597888,
  author  = {Gupta, Poonam and Greenfield, David},
  title   = {{Key lessons to improve care—factors contributing to delayed discharges and cost implications: medical conditions and rehabilitation delays at a tertiary rehabilitation center in Saudi Arabia}},
  journal = {International Journal for Quality in Health Care},
  year    = {2024},
  doi     = {10.1093/intqhc/mzae027},
  pmid    = {38597888},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzae027}
}

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