J. Sulman et al., ELDERLY PATIENTS IN THE ACUTE-CARE HOSPITAL - FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITHLONG-STAY AND ITS IMPACT ON PATIENTS AND FAMILIES, Journal of gerontological social work, 25(3-4), 1996, pp. 33-52
Elderly patients can remain in acute care hospitals for protracted per
iods of time waiting for transfer to long-term care facilities. Becaus
e such patients no longer require acute care services, hospitals often
fail to provide programs for them and staff may experience them as in
appropriate. This study provides a descriptive understanding of these
patients and examines factors associated with length of stay. Although
differences were found between patients who were discharged in 6 mont
hs or less and those who remained in hospitals longer than 6 months, n
o significant differences were found among patients who remained for v
arying lengths of time beyond 6 months. Impact of long stay on patient
s and families is explored and implications for social work practice a
nd discharge planning are examined.