Type A behavior pattern shortens length of stay in comprehensive rehabilitation units

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to describe the importance of patient-related factors in rehabilitation. We focused on the type A behavior pattern. If individuals with the type A behavior pattern have better compliance, they would have a shorter length of hospital stay than those with non-type A behavior. We compared the length of stay of patients with the type A behavior pattern with that of patients with a non-type A behavior pattern. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty-seven patients staying in a comprehensive rehabilitation unit participated in this study. Type A behavior pattern, length of stay, and Barthel Index were assessed. We use the Student's t-test to examine the statistical differences in length of stay and Barthel Index at discharge between subjects with type A behavior and those without type A behavior. [Results] Age and Barthel Index at discharge were not significantly different between the two groups. However, length of stay was significantly higher in the non-type A group compared with the type A group. [Conclusion] Patients with the type A behavior pattern had a shorter length of hospital stay than patients with a non-type A behavior pattern. In conclusion, our results suggest that the type A behavior pattern shortens the length of hospital stay. Those data show that we should consider the patient's characteristics in rehabilitation to protect the patient and for financial benefit.