THERE WAS A significant increase in the number of people treated as day-patients in Irish hospitals last year, according to statistics published today by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
While the overall increase in hospital discharges between 2008 and 2009 was 3.1 per cent, day-patient discharges rose by 6.4 per cent. Inpatient discharge numbers decreased by just over 1 per cent over the same period.
The Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) is an annual computer-based analysis of all discharges and deaths in acute hospitals in the Republic.
Its latest report shows day-patients account for almost six in 10 hospital discharges, reflecting Department of Health policy to significantly increase day-case procedures and treatments. The current Health Service Executive corporate plan has a target for day-patients to account for 75 per cent of all hospital activity.
More than 60 per cent of inpatients were admitted as emergency cases, while a fifth were obstetric cases treated in maternity units. A minority of patients were admitted on a planned (elective) basis.
Planned inpatient admissions peaked in September 2009, while the month showing greatest pressure for admission through emergency departments was March. July was the busiest month for day-patient activity.
Some interesting differences emerge from the report. The average length of patient stay in voluntary hospitals is a day and a half greater than that found in regional hospitals.
While one-fifth of inpatient days were used by people aged 75-84, this age group accounted for just 11 per cent of total inpatient discharges. Patients with medical cards stayed in hospital on average three and a half days longer than people without them.
“It is worth noting that factors such as case complexity and the ratio of inpatients to day-patients may contribute to the differences in average length of stay across the hospital system,” the report states.
Commenting on the report, Prof Miriam Wiley of the ESRI health research and information division said: “We are doing more with the same capacity. An interesting question for further research is how does increasing investment relate to greater productivity.”
The HIPE data reveal some gender differences. Men accounted for 72 per cent of those diagnosed with psychological disorders due to alcohol.
Discharge due to coronary heart disease was also more common in males, while females were more likely to suffer hip fractures.
The most common procedure carried out on a day-case basis in Irish hospitals was dialysis for kidney disease.