Predictors of Time to Discharge in Patients Hospitalized for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In Japan, more than 50,000 patients with dementia are housed in psychiatric facilities, a trend precipitated by prolonged hospitalizations. This study aimed to determine predictors for the time to discharge in patients hospitalized for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). METHODS: Medical charts of patients admitted to an acute psychogeriatric ward for treatment of BPSD were reviewed. Cox's proportional hazards model was used to evaluate relationships between active behavioral problems and/or demographics at the time of admission, and the time until favorable discharge (FD), defined as discharge to the patient's own home or a care facility. RESULTS: For the 402 study patients included in this study, median time to FD was 101 days. In addition to family and residential factors, multivariate analysis identified higher Mini-Mental State Examination scores as independent clinical predictors for a shorter hospital stay, whereas male gender and combative behavior as the primary reason for hospital admission were predictors for a longer hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Clinical characteristics can be predictive of the time to discharge for patients with BPSD. Earlier interventions and enhanced care strategies may be needed for patients with a lower likelihood of FD.