Reducing the length of postnatal hospital stay: implications for cost and quality of care

BMC Health Services Research
John Bowers, Helen Cheyne

Abstract

UK health services are under pressure to make cost savings while maintaining quality of care. Typically reducing the length of time patients stay in hospital and increasing bed occupancy are advocated to achieve service efficiency. Around 800,000 women give birth in the UK each year making maternity care a high volume, high cost service. Although average length of stay on the postnatal ward has fallen substantially over the years there is pressure to make still further reductions. This paper explores and discusses the possible cost savings of further reductions in length of stay, the consequences for postnatal services in the community, and the impact on quality of care. We draw on a range of pre-existing data sources including, national level routinely collected data, workforce planning data and data from national surveys of women's experience. Simulation and a financial model were used to estimate excess demand, work intensity and bed occupancy to explore the quantitative, organisational consequences of reducing the length of stay. These data are discussed in relation to findings of national surveys to draw inferences about potential impacts on cost and quality of care. Reducing the length of time women spend in hospital afte...Continue Reading

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Citations

Dec 29, 2015·Health Services Research·Patrick B BrownUNKNOWN THRIVE Research Collaborative
Dec 29, 2015·Health Services Research·Sheryl ZimmermanUNKNOWN THRIVE Research Collaborative
May 22, 2018·The International Journal of Health Planning and Management·Junyi ShenTatsuyoshi Saijo
Jul 26, 2018·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Monica Eneriz-WiemerC Jason Wang
Nov 15, 2017·JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports·Lynette Cusack, Morgan Roberta Smith
May 29, 2020·Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology : the Official Journal of the Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America·Lynn N LethbridgeMichael J Dunbar
Aug 24, 2018·BMC Health Services Research·John BowersDebra Bick
Oct 19, 2017·International Journal of Integrated Care·Elisabeth ZempOliver Reich
Feb 5, 2021·European Journal of Midwifery·Ulrika ÖhrnIngegerd Hildingsson
Sep 2, 2020·JBI Evidence Synthesis·Lynette Cusack, Morgan Smith
Apr 9, 2021·Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation : C/E·Ali ModabberStephan Christian Möhlhenrich

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