Adverse medical events: do they influence discharge decisions?

The author examined relationships between adverse medical events (AMEs) on discharge decisions. Using secondary data capturing inpatient utilization from Oklahoma hospitals, the author employed logistic regression to estimate the probability of extended hospital stay and the need for postacute care as a function of AMEs, and multiple regression analysis to assess the effect of AMEs on the number of days of care. Findings showed that an AME increased the likelihood of extended hospital stay, number of extended days of care, and needed postacute care.

The effect of adverse medical events on spending on inpatient care.

Background: In this study, we examined the proposition that the occurrence of adverse medical events (AMEs) increases spending on inpatient hospital care.

Methods: Employing the individual and the episode of care as the unit of analysis, the study relied on data assembled in the Public Use Data File maintained by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the covariates of the revenue per case and its components, the average revenue per day, and the number of days per case.