Extended hospitalization of medically stable children dependent on technology: a focus on mutable family factors

This study identified three factors that influenced extended hospital stay in medically stable children dependent on medical technology. A retrospective review of 50 charts in a level II nursery was conducted. Bivariate analysis identified factors contributing to extended stay: parental factors, societal factors, health care factors, and presence of disease. Multiple regression explained 98% of the variance in extended length of stay. Family factors accounted for 19.6%, nonfamily factors accounted for 42.5%, and the two sets of factors together accounted for an additional 35.9%. Family-related issues with a high potential for change were identified. Pediatric providers should develop family intervention strategies that identify the most appropriate level of care that both advocates in the best interest of the child and family and contains the rising cost of health care.