Reasons for discharge delay were insufficient social support in 13 (14%), patient's preference in 39 (41%) and medical team preference in 41 (44%). In one patient extended hospitalization was due to a neurosurgical intervention. There was no difference in demographic data, rate, length and reasons for discharge delay between the retrospective and the prospective cohort. Private insurance (OR: 2.61 95%CI 1.08-6.34, p¼0.034) and patient discharged on a day other than Monday (OR: 2.94 95%CI: 1.16-7.14, p¼0.023) were independent predictors for discharge delay. The reason for discharge delay significantly predicted the length of delay; it was longest for insufficient social support (mean 3.8 days, 95%CI: 1.87-5.67, p<0.001). Conclusion: The introduction of a specific patient diary with objective discharge criteria did not decrease the rate of discharge delay. Private insurance seems to be one of several non-medical factors that prolong hospital stay. Waiting for post-acute care created the longest delays.
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