Date of Award
2025-05-31
Degree Name
PhD Nursing
Dissertation Committee
Ann M. Mayo, DNSc, RN, FAAN, Chairperson; Caroline Etland, PhD, RN, CNS, ACHPN, Committee Member; Kim Failla, PhD, RN, NE-BC. NPD-BC, Committee Member
Keywords
in-hospital stroke, length of stay, risk factors, stroke
Abstract
Abstract
Background: In-hospital strokes (IHSs) represent 2% to 17% of strokes in non-stroke admissions. Hospital length of stay (LOS) for patients with an IHS adds another layer of concern. Research has yet to fully address the variations in hospital LOS associated with these occurrences and how certain factors place patients at greater risk. The average LOS after having a stroke is five to seven days. Patients who suffer a stroke after admission for another diagnosis tend to endure an extended hospital stay. Prolonged LOS in the hospital increases the risk of hospitalized acquired conditions, the degree of clinical attention needed, and associated costs.
Study Population: The study population consisted of adult patients already hospitalized for another medical condition who experience a stroke at an acute care community hospital in southern California.
Purpose/Aims: This pilot study examined the relationships between predisposing sociodemographic characteristics, predisposing clinical characteristics, enabling resources, use of health services, need, and hospital LOS among hospitalized adult patients who experienced an IHS.
Methods: A retrospective cohort descriptive correlational designed study was conducted. Descriptive statistics characterized the sample and chi-square analyses were conducted to describe the relationship variables. A multiple linear regression identified the amount of variance in hospital LOS accounted by select variables.
Results: This pilot study provided valuable insights into patients who experience an IHS and hospital LOS. A statistically significant relationship was found between hospital LOS and the timing of an IHS after admission. The findings suggest that the timing of the IHS significantly influences the overall hospital LOS. Notably, this study also indicated that for each additional day between admission and the occurrence of an IHS, the total hospital LOS increased by 0.31days. Furthermore, hospital LOS was significantly different for patients in terms of the department where the stroke occurred.
Implications: These findings highlight the importance of early IHS risk assessment and intervention strategies to minimize complications and reduce hospital LOS.
Document Type
Dissertation: Open Access
Department
Nursing
Digital USD Citation
Kendal, Courtney W., "Unlocking Stroke Susceptibility: A Pilot Retrospective Analysis of In-Hospital Factors and Length of Stay in Adult Patients" (2025). Dissertations. 1075.
https://digital.sandiego.edu/dissertations/1075
Copyright
Copyright held by the author
