Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

Which of the following terms best describes the basis for calculating ALOS?

1. Bed capacity

2. Census days

3. Inpatient service days

4. Total discharge days

The correct answer is: Total discharge days

Average Length of Stay (ALOS) is a key metric used in health care management to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of hospital services. The basis for calculating ALOS is derived from the total number of inpatient service days divided by the number of discharges that occur during a specific period. When defining ALOS, the term "total discharge days" accurately reflects the concept as it encompasses all days spent in the hospital by patients who have been discharged. This gives a comprehensive view of how long, on average, patients are staying in the facility. Therefore, using total discharge days ensures that the measure includes all patient stays, allowing for an accurate calculation that informs operational and financial decisions within the healthcare system. While bed capacity, census days, and inpatient service days are relevant terms related to hospital operations, they do not serve as the primary basis for calculating ALOS. Bed capacity discusses the maximum number of patients a hospital can accommodate, census days measure the number of days patients occupy beds, and inpatient service days refer to the total days of hospitalization for all patients. However, to derive ALOS specifically, one must utilize total discharge days. Hence, this term best aligns with the calculation of ALOS in healthcare management.