The Performance Data and Quality Indicators of the Gheorgheni Municipal Hospital Between 2019-2023

OBJECTIVES: The research aimed to analyze the performance data and quality indicators of the Gheorgheni Municipal Hospital between 2019-2023.

METHODS: Retrospective research was conducted at the Gheorgheni Municipal Hospital (200 hospital beds) (Romania, Transylvania) analyzing data between 01.01.2019 and 31.12.2023. The scope of data collection: number of patients/number of cases, number of re-admissions within 24 and 48 hours; bed utilization, case-mix index, number of patients with same-day surgery, mortality rate, method of admission, and place of residence. Descriptive statistical analysis was used.

RESULTS: The number of cases treated in active inpatient care decreased during the examined period (2019: 5,377 cases; 2023: 4,787 cases). Bed utilization also decreased (2019: 53.7%; 2021: 43.7%; 2023: 48.7%) The average nursing time decreased, by 7.23 in 2019, and by 7.01 in 2023, the highest value in 2021 was 7.43 days. The number of chronic care days was 10.6 in 2019 and will increase to 12 by 2023. Mortality was the lowest in 2019 and the highest in 2021 (2019: 3.07%; 2020: 5.07%; 2021: 5.99%; 2022: 3.81%; 2023: 3.55%). The proportion of residents from Hargita county ranged between 86-90%. The proportion of patients referred to the emergency room increased significantly (56.5%, 70.8%, 72.6%, 70.8%, 66.9%). The Case Mic Index increased (2019: 1.302; 2020: 1.338; 2021: 1.308; 2022: 1.368; 2023: 1.372). The number of people receiving one-day care was significantly lower in 2020 (8,488 cases) and 2021 (10,027 cases), and in 2023 (12.556 cases) it was close to 2019 cases (12,815 cases).

CONCLUSIONS: We can state that the significant changes in patient traffic during the pandemic have been restored by 2023. The 5% increase in the Case Mix Index indicates that the hospital was able to provide more complex care after the pandemic.