Influence of weekday of admission and level of distress on length of hospital stay in patients with low back pain: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background Low back pain (LBP) is often a complex problem requiring interdisciplinary management to address patients’ multidimensional needs. Providing inpatient care for patients with LBP in primary hospitals challenge. In this setting, unavailable during weekends. Delays therapeutic procedures may result prolonged length of hospital stay (LoS). The impact delays on LoS might be strongest reporting high levels psychological distress. Therefore, study investigates the influence weekday admission and distress inpatients LBP. Methods This retrospective cohort was conducted between 1 February 2019 31 January 2020. part 1, negative binomial model fitted as predictor. 2, same included admission, level, their interaction covariates. Planned contrast used estimate difference log-expected group (admissions Friday/Saturday) reference Sunday-Thursday). corresponding (per-unit) trends. Results We identified 173 mean 7.8 days (SD = 5.59). Patients admitted Friday (mean 10.3) Saturday (LoS 10.6) had longer stays, but not those Sunday 7.1). Analysis effect planned showed that or associated significant increase (log ratio 0.42, 95% CI 0.21 0.63). A total 101 (58%) returned questionnaires, complete data were available from 86 (49%). According contrast, significantly influenced (difference slopes 0.816, 0.03 1.60) by dichotomic weekdays (Friday/Saturday vs. Conclusions over weekend prolong LoS. particularly affect Our provides platform further explore whether addressing needs reduces hospitals.