A study focused on “complex discharge,” where patients cannot return home post-hospitalization due to disabilities, reveals significant consequences and financial effects. Analyzing over 21,000 hospital discharge records from Molinette Hospital in Italy, researchers found that complex discharge patients had a 50.2% longer length of stay (LOS) compared to others. Key factors affecting LOS included age, emergency admissions, and transfers to other facilities. The simulation of discharges without these patients projected a production gain of approximately €4.5 million.

To address the issue, the study assessed a low-cost reorganization that removed a control point in the discharge process. This intervention led to a reduction in LOS by an average of 6.1 days for the 72 patients involved. The analysis indicated that the reorganization effectively altered the upward trend in LOS, highlighting its potential to enhance patient outcomes and decrease healthcare costs. The findings emphasize the need for targeted strategies to manage complex discharges more efficiently.