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Show Hospital Length of Stay The trend for the past 20 years in hospital length of stay has been a gradual reduction in number of days spent in the hospital. Overall, the decrease from 1973 to 1995 has been 1.3 days for the U.S., and 1.1 days for Utah. This decrease could be a result of the current emphasis on reducing medical costs, as well as more effective medical treatments. Utah's average length of stay is two days shorter than the U.S. average and the lowest in the nation (along with Oregon). One possible reason for this might be Utah's generally younger, healthier population. Another reason might be due to regional differences in practice patterns. A third reason might be that childbirth-related admissions are higher for Utah than the U.S. average. Table 103. Source: U.S.: United States Bureau of the Census (1995). Statistical Abstract of the United States: 1995. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office:. P. 127. Utah: American Hospital Association, in Utah Hospital Association (1994, 1992, 1988, 1984). Utah Hospital Fact Book. Salt Lake City:.p.26. U.S.: United States Bureau of the Census (1994). Statistical Abstract of the United States: 1994 (114th ed.). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office:.p.l27. Figure 57 Table 103. Hospital Length of Stay* Year Utah U.S. Difference 1973 5.8 7.8 2.0 1974 5.6 7.8 2.2 1975 5.6 7.7 2.1 1976 5.5 7.7 2.2 1977 5.2 7.6 2.4 1978 5.2 7.6 2.4 1979 5.3 7.6 2.3 1980 5.4 7.6 2.2 1981 5.5 7.6 2.1 1982 5.4 7.6 2.2 1983 5.4 7.6 2.2 1984 5.1 7.3 2.2 1985 5.1 7.1 2.0 1986 5.2 7.1 1.9 1987 5.4 7.2 1.8 1988 5.4 7.2 1.8 1989 5.5 7.2 1.7 1990 5.4 7.2 1.8 1991 5.2 7.2 2.0 1992 5.1 7.1 2.0 1993 4.9 7.0 2.1 1994 4.7 6.7 2.0 1995 4.7 6.5 1.8 ?Average number of days. Hospital Length of Stay Number of Days 10 j 8 -- 6 -=. 4 -- 2 --0 •Utah U.S. 1973 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 135 |
