Purpose
This study aimed to analyze the differences in medical care use and patient outcomes between patient groups in the general ward (GW) and integrated nursing care ward (INCW).
Methods
Among all patients admitted from January 1 to December 31, 2020, 430 patients (total 860) were selected in the GW and INCW using propensity score matching. The differences in the two groups were analyzed using t-test and x 2 test. Multiple and logistic regression were used to investigate the effect of admission to the INCW or GW on medical use and patient outcomes.
Results
The total medical expenses, urinary tract infection rate, and pneumonia rate of the two groups did not show significant differences; however, the length of stay for the INCW group was approximately 3 days longer and unplanned readmissions were 5.4% lower for the INCW group than that for the GW group. Multiple and logistic regression analysis showed similar results.
Conclusion
Patients in the INCW group had longer hospitalization days and lower rates of unplanned readmission than those in GW group. Additional studies related to longer hospital stays are needed, and measures should be taken to prevent social hospitalization.