Applying an implementation science lens to understand physician-level variation in patient length of stay in internal medicine.

ABSTRACT:

Background & objectives

Length of Stay (LoS) is a critical quality metric and focus of improvement efforts in healthcare. Successfully managing LoS depends on understanding the drivers of variation amenable to change. This study aims to (1) characterize physician-level variation in LoS; (2) identify physician actions associated with LoS; and (3) explore the individual-, team-, and hospital-level factors influencing this variation to generate hypotheses for further study.

Methods

This mixed-methods comparative case study approach examined six General Internal Medicine (GIM) departments in Toronto, Ontario. Physician-level variation in LoS was calculated using a random-intercept negative binomial regression model and sensitivity analysis. Semi-structured interviews and ethnogr

SUBMITTER: Srinivasan D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12495839 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature