Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine financial effects and change of utilization of hospital beds for managing by introducing the oral food challenge (OFC) test performed on a regular basis in hospital on bed management and hospitalization charges. Method: We compared the monthly number of hospitalized patients and length of hospital stays, as well as bed occupancy rates and hospitalization charges across three time periods: 3 years before the OFC was regularly performed (Period A), 2 years when the OFC was regularly performed (Period B), and 1 year after the OFC was stopped (Period C). Results: The monthly number of hospitalized patients, bed occupancy rate, and hospitalization charges were significantly higher in Period B than in Periods A and C. The length of hospital stays during Period B was also significantly shorter compared to that in the latter two periods. Conclusion: Introduction of the OFC enabled more efficient utilization of hospital beds and led to a significant increase in hospitalization charges. However, charges decreased after the OFC was stopped. These results suggest that performing the OFC regularly in hospital contributes to efficient hospital bed management and an increase in hospitalization charges.
