2026 Volume 29 Issue 4 Pages 707-713
Background: The increasing number of elderly emergency patients has made long-term hospitalization an important clinical issue, particularly in relation to discharge planning. This study examined risk factors for long-term hospitalization among emergency admissions based on DPC-defined hospitalization periods.
Methods: A total of 590 patients who were admitted urgently to our hospital between July and December 2022 were included. Patients discharged during DPC period I or II were classified as the short-term hospitalization group, whereas those discharged during period III or later were classified as the long-term hospitalization group. The two groups were compared using the DPC data analysis system “girasol.”
Results: The long-term hospitalization group comprised 292 patients and differed significantly from the short-term group in several variables, including age, BMI, underweight, dementia, ADL status at admission, level of consciousness at admission, certification of long-term care need, and discharge destination other than home. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified age, certification of long-term care need, and non-home discharge destination as independent risk factors for long-term hospitalization.
Conclusion: In emergency admissions, the risk of long-term hospitalization should be assessed comprehensively, taking into account not only medical conditions but also social factors surrounding the patient.
