RESUMO
The principal objectives of this study were to identify the main predictors of the length of postoperative hospital stay for patients undergoing appendectomy in a military training hospital in Turkey, to examine the effects of each significant predictor, and to justify to hospital health care managers the reasons why an increase in effective use of hospital utilization resources is needed and so important. This study gives the results of a 2-year retrospective study conducted at Gulhane Military Medical Academy between January 2003 and January 2005. The medical files of 417 patients undergoing appendectomy during this 2-year period were reviewed. A number of demographic and clinical patient characteristics were examined to determine their significance in lengthening the post-operative and total hospital stay. After taking all demographic and clinical patient characteristics into account, it was determined that those patients who were temporary or short-term service members and whose medical complications were more severe were more likely to stay in the hospital for longer periods. Despite its limitations, the study reveals that factors affecting variations in resource utilization can be minimized by following very simple administrative procedures. Furthermore, the results could increase awareness among hospital managers of the significant factors involved for health care providers in modifying their behavior concerning resource utilization decisions.