Comparative analysis of patient demographics and outcomes in teaching and non-teaching hospitals in Iran.

Abstract

Aims: This study investigates the differences in patient demographics and outcomes between teaching and non-teaching hospitals in Iran. By analyzing these differences, it aims to provide useful information for policymakers to optimize resource allocation, improve patient care, and balance educational and service delivery goals in teaching hospitals.

Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional investigation, both teaching and non-teaching general hospitals were examined. A comprehensive analysis was carried out on 13 non-teaching and 25 teaching hospitals with homogeneity, utilizing Health Information System (HIS) data comprising 10,611,647 records through census sampling in 2019. Before employing the logistic regression models to clarify the relationship between a binary dependent variable (distinguishing teaching or non-teaching hospitals) and independent variables, we utilize the Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) technique to select the most crucial predictor variables.

Findings: the optimal logistic regression model revealed that the teaching status of hospitals played a crucial role as an indirect predictor for variables including referral patients, length of stay (<24 hours), patients with partial improvement, and those who received less than 3 services. It also emerged as a direct predictor for variables such as length of stay (>30 days), patients receiving more than the mean services, death rate, and patients with complete improvement. Moreover, the teaching status had an indirect impact on variables like outpatient cases, length of stay (>30 days), and paraclinical services, while directly predicting variables such as patients with supplementary insurance and vulnerable groups insurance type, rehabilitation services, clinic wards, and length of stay (between 4-30 days).

Conclusion: In Iranian teaching hospitals, we observed an increase in patient numbers, extended length of stay, a rise in both the quantity and complexity of services, and more intricate patient admissions. It appears that small teaching hospitals in Iran have transitioned from being referral centers to functioning as outpatient centers with active clinics.