ECONOMIC CRISIS IN FULL: COST AND EFFECTIVENESS OF SHORT STAY HOSPITAL UNITS.

Abstract

Background and objectives: the length of stay is the main determinant of the cost of hospitalization, must implemented strategies to reduce conventional hospital stay keeping quality levels. Short Stay Units (UEC) are born with the aim of reducing hospital stay in a group of patients and pathologies. The aim of this is paper is to evaluate the literature on the evidence of decreased length of stay, efficiency, readmisions in the emergency department, cost-effectiveness, and mortality of these units. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature, using the MeSH terms "Observation Unit", "Short-Stay Ward", "Monday to Friday Clinic" , "Monaday to Friday Surgery Ward", "Short Stay hospitalization "," Alternative to Conventional hospitalization "," Alternative Admissions "in MEDLINE database and Cochrane Library from January 1, 1960 to November 30, 2011. The studies reviewed were selected according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Protocol. Results: The UEC allowed in certain group of patients, reduce the period of stay, maintain efficiency, showing no increases in emergency readmissions or mortality. Conclusions: The UEC can be an instrument to reduce the cost of health process in a certain group of pathologies.