Optimizing Length of Stay: The Key to Hospital Success

Despite widespread efforts to standardize patient care for efficiency, achieving consistent reductions in length of stay (LOS) across complex patient populations remains a critical challenge. A recent JAMA Network study identified eight key strategies for successfully reducing LOS in high-risk patient groups:

1. 1. 1. Discharge planning
      2. Geriatric assessment
      3. Medication management
      4. Clinical pathways
      5. Inter- or multidisciplinary care
      6. Case management
      7. Hospitalist services
      8. Telehealth

While these strategies are essential, effectively executing them requires a highly individualized approach for each patient. This presents a significant operational hurdle.

Partnering for Success: A Strategic Advantage

Now more than ever, hospitals are seeking collaborative partnerships with specialized post-acute providers who can:

• • • Deliver comprehensive care by addressing the unique needs of each patient across the care continuum
    • Optimize post-acute transitions through seamless and timely patient transitions to the most appropriate post-acute care settings
    • Drive operational efficiency by improving patient flow, reducing readmissions, and enhancing resource utilization without expending unnecessary resources or capital

Hospital Outcomes Following Post-Acute Integration

• • • Enhanced Financial Performance:
      • • • Decreased operating costs through reduced inpatient days
          • Increased revenue through increased patient throughput and bed availability
          • Improved margins and overall financial stability

• • • Improved Operational Efficiency:
      • • • Streamlined patient flow and reduced bottlenecks
          • Enhanced resource allocation and improved staff productivity
          • Mitigation of the impact of delayed discharges and ED boarding

• • • Enhanced Patient Satisfaction:
      • • • Improved patient experience and functional status through timely and coordinated care
          • Reduced readmission rates, leading to better patient outcomes

• • • Competitive Advantage through Partnership:
      • • • The right post-acute partner can help position the hospital as a leader in patient care quality and operational excellence
          • A qualified partner will also help differentiate the hospital in a competitive healthcare market

By strategically addressing these challenges, hospitals can not only improve patient outcomes and reduce LOS, but also enhance their financial performance and solidify their position as leaders in healthcare delivery.

Contact us to learn how Lifepoint Rehabilitation can help your hospital improve patient LOS and outcomes through a strategic partnership approach.

References:

1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2784338
2. https://www.advisory.com/topics/post-acute-care/2021/03/10-keys-to-an-efficient-post-acute-episode#accordion-ba1b8f8453-item-2f95d01822
3. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/9-things-to-know-about-length-of-stay.html
4. https://shmpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jhm.13538