Transitional Care Program for Spine Surgery: Impact on Length of Stay for Extended Recovery Unit Patients

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Outcomes

Background:

• Spinal neurosurgery patients often experience prolonged hospital stays.
• Effective transitional care programs (TCP) are crucial for optimizing patient recovery and resource utilization.
• Length of stay (LOS) is a key performance indicator in surgical patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a transitional care program (TCP) in reducing length of stay (LOS) for spinal neurosurgery patients.
• To identify factors influencing LOS in this patient population.
• To assess the impact of TCP interventions on extended recovery unit (ERU) admissions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 986 spinal neurosurgery patients from January to December 2023.
• Multivariable ordinary least squares regression to identify factors affecting LOS.
• Multivariable logistic regression to analyze factors contributing to extended LOS in ERU-admitted patients.

Main Results:

• Planned ERU admission was associated with a decreased LOS.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and postoperative complications significantly increased LOS.
• TCP nurse educational visits were linked to a significant decrease in extended LOS, particularly for ERU patients.

Conclusions:

• Targeted educational interventions within a TCP are effective in reducing LOS for spinal neurosurgery patients.
• Preoperative planning and patient education are vital components for successful transitional care.
• Further refinement of TCPs, including digital innovations, may further enhance patient engagement and outcomes.