Average length of hospital stay per recurrent depressive episode in Chile between 2018 and 2021

Abstract

Psychiatric conditions requiring short-term hospitalisation are on the rise, yet there are not enough beds available. Depression is a highly recurrent mood disorder that affects prognosis. Objective: To describe the average length of hospital stay per recurrent depressive episode and general mental disorders in Chile between 2018 and 2021. Methodology: Ecological study comprising hospital discharges for recurrent depressive episodes and general mental disorders from 2018 to 2021 in Chile, according to age group. Results: The rate of hospital discharges for general mental disorders in Chile was 200 per 10,000 people, while for recurrent depressive episodes, it rose to 2 with a tendency to increase to 3. The average length of hospital stay for the period for Chile, general mental disorders, and recurrent depressive episodes was 6, 27, and 17 days, respectively. The age group with the longest average hospital stay was 80 years and older. For general mental disorders and recurrent depressive episodes, it was the 65-79 age group. Discussion and Conclusion: The average hospital stay for recurrent depressive episodes increased from 15 to 19 days during the period. The 65-79 and 45-64 age groups had the longest average hospital stays for general mental disorders and recurrent depressive episodes, which is relevant as they are a working population that acquires preventable disabilities. Finally, short-stay psychiatric services represent a solution to the costs associated with psychiatric illness.