Neural Network Prediction of ICU Length of Stay Following Cardiac Surgery Based on Pre-Incision Variables.

Background: Advanced predictive analytical techniques are being increasingly applied to clinical risk assessment. This study compared a neural network model to several other models in predicting the length of stay (LOS) in the cardiac surgical intensive care unit (ICU) based on pre-incision patient characteristics.

Methods: Thirty six variables collected from 185 cardiac surgical patients were analyzed for contribution to ICU LOS.