REDUCING THE LENGTH OF STAY AFTER KIDNEY-TRANSPLANTATION - THE INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT UNIT

The need to reduce the costs associated with the initial hospitalizati on for kidney transplantation has led to the development of outpatient facilities in which patients can be seen on a daily basis. The implem entation of a kidney transplant intensive outpatient unit (IOPU) is de scribed. Prior to the opening of the IOPU, the median and mean lengths of stay after kidney transplantation in our program were 14.0 and 18. 9 d, respectively. Subsequent to the opening of the IOPU, the median a nd mean lengths of stay after kidney transplantation have gradually de creased and are currently 5.0 and 7.5 d, respectively. The median inpa tient cost of transplantation, excluding organ acquisition charges, ha s decreased by 54%, from $25516 to $11616. Patient satisfaction has ex ceeded 80%. The IOPU represents an effective means of reducing the cos t associated with transplantation, without sacrificing the quality of care.