ASSESSMENT OF BED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON PATIENT FLOW IN A CORPORATE HOSPITAL IN SOUTH CHENNAI

Abstract

Efficient hospital bed management is essential for maintaining smooth patient flow, minimizing delays, and improving the quality of healthcare delivery. This study evaluates bed occupancy patterns and factors influencing admission and discharge delays in a Corporate Hospital, South Chennai. Key parameters assessed include bed occupancy rate, bed turnover rate, average length of stay, insurance pre-approval delays, and reasons contributing to delayed admissions and discharges.

A descriptive quantitative research design was adopted using data collected from inpatient admissions through simple random sampling. Percentage analysis was used to evaluate trends in bed utilization and patient movement within the hospital.The findings revealed that bed occupancy was highest during February, while the average length of stay peaked in December. Delays in insurance authorization, inpatient billing procedures, and limited bed availability were identified as the major causes of delayed admissions and discharges. The study highlights the need for real-time bed tracking systems, streamlined insurance processing, efficient discharge planning, and improved coordination between departments to enhance bed utilization and patient satisfaction.