Evaluation of hospital outcomes Predictors of length of stay, rehospitalization and mortality

One of the leading challenges in public health is to provide optimal care while effectively managing costs. A major health issue concerning cost effectiveness is the aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic comorbidities and multimorbidity. Although healthcare cost are increasing rapidly, health care system spending is not necessarily correlated with favorable patient health outcomes. Public hospitals play a key role in the delivery of health care of the population. However, they are often confronted with the pressure to improve quality standards while maintaining or even reducing costs.
In order to monitor and compare hospital performance, outcome measures for quality of care have been developed and progressively employed. Three main important outcome measures that are commonly used as quality indicators are length of hospital stay, rehospitalization and mortality rate. After defining and explaining the significance of LOHS, rehospitalization and mortality as quality indicators in health system and services research, it is essential to identify the factors that influence these outcomes in order to improve patient care and resource allocation. Therefore, our research focuses on identifying predictors of the three main outcomes: LOHS, mortality, and rehospitalization, in patients with specific conditions such as pulmonary embolism (PE), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). By understanding the factors that influence these outcomes, we can address modifiable factors to develop strategies for improving patient outcomes.
In cases where predictors are non-modifiable, such as demographic or clinical characteristics, raising awareness among clinicians about the associated risk profiles becomes crucial. Additionally, these findings can inform the development of better prediction models and facilitate the adaptation of hospital bed management strategies to meet the specific needs of patients.
The aim of this thesis is to contribute to the existing knowledge by investigating and identifying predictors of LOHS, rehospitalization and mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism, COPD, and community-acquired pneumonia. By doing so, we strive to provide valuable insights for clinicians, policymakers, and healthcare providers to improve patient care, optimize resource allocation, and enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of public healthcare systems.
Through the exploration of modifiable and non-modifiable predictors, this research aims to generate evidence-based recommendations and strategies that will positively impact patient outcomes and healthcare management in the context of an aging population with complex chronic conditions.