Impacts and perceptions of a computer-based length of stay benchmarking program

Aims: Length of stay (LOS) benchmark figures can be used to guide clinical practice in a rehabilitation setting. This prospective study trialled a computer-based program that provided real-time LOS benchmark figures and alerted staff of patients approaching or exceeding LOS benchmark figures, and assessed its ability to identify patients with LOS beyond benchmark figures, reasons for these delays and effect on LOS, and staff perceptions of its usefulness. Methods: One-hundred-and-eight inpatients in a stroke rehabilitation unit (SRU) and 94 inpatients in a brain injury rehabilitation unit (BIRU) were included in the patient component of the study; 13 staff completed a post-trial survey. Findings: LOS in excess of benchmark figures was found for 48 (44%) SRU and 44 (47%) BIRU participants, resulting in a total discharge delay of 6311 days. Reasons for discharge delay were diverse. Using the computer-based program did not consistently decrease LOS compared to data from the previous year. Staff perceptions regarding the usefulness of the computer-based program were mixed. Conclusions: The use of a computer-based program that provided real-time LOS benchmark figures was able to identify patients with LOS beyond benchmark figures but did not consistently decrease LOS and, on the whole, was not favourably received by clinical staff.