Surgery Length of Stay

Length of stay as a quality measure

Length of stay measures the number of days a patient spends in the hospital. A shorter length of stay usually means a better outcome for the patient. It indicates more efficient and effective care. Shorter lengths of stay also mean that the patient is able to return home earlier, providing the opportunity to recuperate in a familiar surrounding. A shorter time in the hospital is often less disruptive for the patient and his/her family.  

What is the source for this data?

The measures below are commonly used at academic and tertiary care hospitals. Fletcher Allen, in alliance with the University of Vermont, is one of 125 academic medical centers in the United States. It participates in collaborative benchmark efforts to improve the quality of the care provided to its patients. The national comparison shown below is based on more than 100 participating academic medical centers in the University HealthSystem Consortium. The consortium produces information for benchmarking at these academic medical centers.

The role of academic medical centers includes accepting patients with more severe and complex medical conditions than most community hospitals. Comparing Fletcher Allen to other academic medical centers is a more appropriate comparison than a broad national comparison that doesn't reflect a similar patient population.


Surgery length of stay

A low number is better.

What this means

Length of stay measures the number of days a patient is hospitalized. This measure shows Fletcher Allen's performance in relation to a national comparison. This measure covers all surgeries, with the exception of heart, women's, and orthopedics.

Why it’s important

A shorter length of stay is an indicator of a good patient care process. This measure shows how Fletcher Allen compares with more than 100 academic medical centers across the country.