An Examination of Factors Affecting the Length of Stay in a Palliative Care Center

Abstract Background: With the increase in elderly population, life-threatening chronic diseases are increasing, simultaneously increasing the need for palliative care centers (PCCs). Objectives: To evaluate the factors affecting the length of stay (LOS) and discharge of patients from a PCC. Methods: A retrospective scan was made of the records of patients followed up in the PCC between January 2013 and March 2016. A record was made of patient age, gender, diagnosis, conditions/comorbidities, Glasgow Coma Scale, Karnofsky Performance Scale, LOS, prognosis (exitus or surviving), percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), tracheostomy, mechanical ventilator, nutrition (total parenteral nutrition [TPN] or enteral nutrition), and the results of cultures taken during stay in PCCs (blood, tracheal aspirate, urine, rectal swab, wound). Evaluation with regression analysis was made of the data related to factors thought to have a possible effect on the LOS in PCCs. Results: Four hundred thirty-five patients were in...