Hospital Rehabilitation Stays Getting Shorter, Canada

Main Category: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 23 May 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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The average length of stay for patients in hospital rehabilitation declined from 22 days to 18 days over five years, according to a new report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). Inpatient Rehabilitation in Canada, 2006-2007, CIHI's fifth annual report on rehabilitation services in Canada, is based on data for over 30,000 patients in participating facilities in seven provinces. Of the patients discharged from a rehabilitation hospital or facility, 91% were able to achieve their inpatient rehabilitation goals by the end of their stay and 89% were able to return home.

Most patients in rehabilitation (47%) were admitted for an orthopedic condition, while the second-largest group were those recovering from a stroke (16%). The vast majority (92%) of inpatient rehabilitation patients were transferred from acute care, and over half (55%) were admitted on the same day they were determined to be clinically ready for rehabilitation.

About CIHI

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) collects and analyzes information on health and health care in Canada and makes it publicly available. Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments created CIHI as a not-for-profit, independent organization dedicated to forging a common approach to Canadian health information. CIHI's goal: to provide timely, accurate and comparable information. CIHI's data and reports inform health policies, support the effective delivery of health services and raise awareness among Canadians of the factors that contribute to good health.

Canadian Institute for Health Information

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