[From hospitalism to inappropriate hospitalization]

The term hospitalism has taken on various meanings over the last 150 years. Initially, it was related to in-hospital diseases that increase mortality. Later, René Spitz introduced the concept of infant hospitalism, describing the emotional and physical adverse effects on children hospitalized for long periods and separated from their parents. In the 20th century, the term expanded to include the negative effects of prolonged hospitalization, which harms the biopsychosocial structure of the patient. Additionally, medical hospitalism has been proposed, describing a pathological need for some doctors to consider the hospital as their primary home. Meanwhile, sanitary inadequacy aims to eliminate practices that create more risks than benefits, such as inappropriate hospitalization, which refers to overutilization that does not address the patient' s real needs. Hospitalist physicians play a key role in managing hospitalizations efficiently, avoiding unnecessary stays, and improving resource use, thus promoting safer, more efficient, and patient-centered care.