Degenza

Degenza is a term commonly used in the Italian healthcare system to denote the period of inpatient hospital care. It refers to the interval from hospital admission to discharge during which a patient receives diagnostic evaluation, treatment, or recovery under supervision. Degenza differs from outpatient care, where treatment is delivered without an overnight stay.

In administrative and statistical contexts, degenza serves as a basic unit for measuring patient flow and planning resources. The central indicator is length of stay, or durata della degenza, typically reported as the average length of stay. Degenza data inform hospital capacity planning, budgeting, and the evaluation of care pathways. Depending on national or regional rules, degenza may be categorized as ordinary inpatient stays or as shorter forms of care such as day hospital or observation.

Several factors influence degenza duration. Clinical factors include severity of illness, primary diagnosis, and comorbidity; patient age and social support; and discharge options and availability of post-acute care. System-level factors such as admission criteria, bed management, and reimbursement schemes (for example DRG-based payment) also play a role. Understanding degenza supports policy making and hospital management by highlighting capacity needs and the efficiency of care. It is often analyzed together with outcomes data, such as readmission rates and patient satisfaction, to ensure quality while avoiding unnecessary or premature admissions or extensions.