Hospitalizations

Hospitalizations refer to the admission of a patient to a hospital for acute or planned medical care that cannot be safely provided elsewhere. Admission may follow emergency evaluation, scheduled surgery, childbirth, or transfer from another facility. The goal is diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and stabilization using hospital-based resources.

During hospitalization, patients are assessed by a medical team that may include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and social workers. Treatments can include medications, procedures, imaging, nursing care, rehabilitation, and intensive monitoring in higher-acuity units. Daily rounds, care planning, and patient education support decision-making and safety. Discharge planning begins at admission and focuses on the appropriate next step after leaving the hospital, such as home with follow-up, a rehabilitation program, or a skilled facility.

Inpatient admissions differ from observation status, where patients may receive short-term monitoring without an overnight stay. Levels of care range from general wards to intensive care units, with length of stay varying by condition, comorbidity, and health system factors.

Common reasons for hospitalization include surgical procedures, acute infections, cardiovascular events, respiratory illnesses, trauma, and childbirth. Hospitals also address chronic disease exacerbations, palliative needs, and post-procedure recovery.

Risks during hospitalization include infections acquired in hospital, medication errors, delirium, and falls, particularly among older adults. Discharge involves coordinating follow-up care, medications, and home support to reduce readmission risk and support recovery.