The experience of shortening average length of stay in China

Background: The aim of this study was to shorten the average length of stay by using ‘Change Acceleration Process. Method: We carried out brainstorming with the staff and committee followed by review of questionnaire information, and then intervened with three problems which are of high impact and ease of implementation. Results: The average length of stay decreased gradually after intervention from 2014 to 2017. Conclusion: There was potential waste elimination. We shortened the average length of stay while decreasing the rate of unplanned readmission and the proportion of patients hospitalized over 30 d and improved the patient and staff satisfaction at the same time