Length of stay variations between rural and urban patients with acute myeloid leukemia: a case-matched study.

Background: Keeping patients in hospital longer than medically necessary is costly and occupies resources that could be better utilised. If patients from regional areas remain in hospital longer because of logistical issues such as transport and accommodation, then there is an argument for establishing or expanding appropriate medical services for rural areas. However, if the length of stay (LOS) for rural and urban patients is similar, it could be surmised that current logistic services appropriately meet demand.