Factors associated with duration of inpatient hospital stay for patients with diabetes mellitus admitted to a medical unit in a community public hospital
Melissa H. Lee A , Lillianne Liprino A , Jeffrey Brooks A , Brenda Cayzer A , Fiona Weedon A , Kate Bermingham A , Alicia J. Jenkins B , Kevin Rowley C and David N. O’Neal A B D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Werribee Mercy Hospital, 300–310 Princes Highway, Werribee, Vic. 3030, Australia.
B The University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine, St Vincent’s Hospital, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia.
C Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: dno@unimelb.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 23(1) 23-30 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY16036
Submitted: 19 March 2016 Accepted: 1 June 2016 Published: 28 July 2016
Abstract
The aim was to examine predictors of duration of inpatient hospital stay in people with diabetes mellitus to assist implementation of strategies to reduce hospital stay. This audit prospectively studied patients with diabetes mellitus admitted to a medical unit of an Australian community public hospital. Other outcome measures included glucose treatment optimisation and access to GP and diabetes-specific healthcare professionals. Comparison was made to patients without diabetes mellitus who were admitted concomitantly. Diabetes patients represented 26% of admissions over a 2-month period. In total, 73% had seen a GP within the prior 6 months. Patients with diabetes mellitus (n = 79) had a median age of 69 years; 53% were male and median HbA1c was 65 mmol mol–1 (8.1%). Diabetes mellitus was associated with a longer inpatient stay (P = 0.03), particularly among patients admitted with vascular disease. Age >65 years and seeing <3 members of the community-based diabetes mellitus multidisciplinary team (MDT) in the 2-years pre-admission were independently associated with a longer stay (P = 0.02). In total, 10% were referred to an endocrinologist on discharge. Involvement of more of the diabetes-specific MDT, with a skilled GP, in primary care is recommended as it may shorten inpatient hospital stay, improve glycaemia and reduce demand for limited specialist endocrinologists.
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