Length of stay and readmission risks among geriatric patients with delirium: a retrospective secondary hospital study in Jakarta

Background

Delirium is common in geriatric inpatients and may increase hospital burden. This study aimed to analyze the association of length of stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality, and 30-day readmission among geriatric inpatients at a secondary hospital in Jakarta.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted using secondary data from geriatric inpatients assessed with the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) at Atma Jaya Hospital (March 2024–February 2025). Demographic, functional, nutritional, frailty, and comorbidity variables and clinical outcomes (LOS, mortality, and readmission) were analyzed using t-tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Of 425 patients, delirium was identified in 7.8% of patients. Compared with non-delirium groups, the delirium groups had poorer clinical characteristics, including lower activities of daily living, malnutrition, higher frailty, and greater comorbidity burden. Delirium groups had longer LOS (13.88 [9.24] versus 6.36 [5.25] days; p<0.001) and higher 30-day readmission (15.2% versus 3.6%; aOR: 4.821, 95% CI: 1.62–14.353; p = 0.011), while in-hospital mortality was higher but not statistically significant (p = 0.322).

Conclusions

Delirium in geriatric inpatients is associated with prolonged LOS and increased risk of readmission. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and CGA-guided interdisciplinary management to reduce hospital burden and improve clinical outcomes for older adults.