OCR Text |
Show HOSPITAL LENGTH-OF-STAY Community Hospital Rates Between 1973 and 1991, Utah's average hospital length of stay has been only three-quarters that of the national average (Table 94, Figure 58). Utah has a younger population than the nation, which probably accounts for some of this difference, since younger people are generally not hospitalized as long as older people. An additional reason may be that practice patterns in the West show shorter lengths of stay. Both the nation and Utah have seen a decrease in the average length of stay since 1972. This could be due, in part, to advanced medical technology now available as well as the emphasis on reducing overall medical costs. Table 94 Hospital Length-of Stay (Number of Days) 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 Figure 58 Hospital Length-of-Stay Utah's Health: An Annual Review 1994 67 |