Estrategia de Follow up en la gestión de la estancia hospitalaria

BACKGROUND: In countries with emerging economies, the adequate and efficient management of resources is a priority, through strategies to reduce prolonged stay, increase the availability of beds, maximize profitability and reduce iatrogenic complications. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of the "Follow up" strategy (FU) on the main indicators of the hospitalization process. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, comparative study was developed to evaluate the impact of the FU strategy on the indicators: hospital admissions and discharges, average days of hospital stay (DEH), percentage of hospital occupancy (OH), bed substitution interval (ISC), bed turnover rate (CRI) and prolonged hospital stay (EHP). RESULTS: The FU was associated with a reduction in DEH [5.7 (5.5-6.1) vs. 6.5 days (6.1-6.9), p = 0.01]; ISC [0.6 (0.4-0.8) vs. 1.2 (0.8-1.3), p = 0.01] and EHP [23.6 (21.6-24.7) vs. 26.3% (24.4-28.7), p = 0.02] compared to the control group, with an increase in existence [1436 (1381-1472) vs. 1347 patient days (1280-1402), p = 0.02], respectively. There was no significant difference in the number of admissions, discharges or in the IRC. CONCLUSIONS: The FU reduces the average number of days of hospital stay, the rate of bed substitution and prolonged stay.