• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.31-42
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• 2022

Purposes: This study aims to investigate the changes in the length of stay and medical expenses by the impact of the admission decided by patients or their family. Methodology: The analysis was conducted using data from elder patients aged 65 or older who have used admission services more than once from year 6(2012) to year 12(2017) of the Korean Medical Panel Data(KOWEPS). The statistical analysis was performed through the Chi-square test, mean difference analysis, and generalized estimation equation analysis. Findings: Compared to the patients who used admission services decided by doctors, those who used admission services decided by patients or their family had a longer length of stay and a lower daily medical expense. Practical Implications: Inappropriate admission decided by patients or their family can increase the risk of hospital-acquired infections, impairing the health of elderly patients, and has a negative impact on the efficiency of health resources. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent and properly manage inappropriate admission decided by patients or their family