Length-of-stay (LOS) reduction is a strategy encouraged at all levels of health care to manage within a resource limited environment. However, few organizations have attempted to quantitatively understand the impact of reducing LOS. This study examines the relationship between reducing LOS and cost through a retrospective, medical records analysis of three surgical procedures (appendectomy, cholecystectomy and caesarean section) at an Ontario community hospital Department of Surgery. Hypotheses are presented and a methodology is described. The results are discussed with a focus on the factors that hospitals, adminstrators and physicians might consider in a LOS reduction program.
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