The burden of excess length of stay in trauma patients

Background: Disposition of trauma patients frequently results in excessive hospital-stay. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of developing complications due to excessive stay in the hospital. Methods: Over a period of 4 years (2012–2015) we analyzed all trauma patients with hospital length-of-stay (h-LOS) >30 days. Outcome measures were complications after termination of medical care. Results: 416 patients were identified having h-LOS>30 days of which 61.0% (254) had an excess hospital stay and were included. The most common causes of excess hospital stay were placement in SNiF followed by placement in Inpatient-Rehabilitation. Excessive hospital-stay was independently associated with the development of complications (p = 0.004). Each excess day in the hospital after completion of medical care was associated with 5% higher odds of complications (OR [95%CI]: 1.05[1.02–1.09]) independent of presenting condition of the patient. Conclusion: Each extra day spent in the hospital after completion of medical care was associated with higher odds of developing complications.