Researchers analyzed data from case studies on observation units in Atlanta. Patients treated in dedicated observation units with defined protocols had 23 percent to 28 percent shorter stays and 17 percent to 44 percent lower chances of inpatient admission.
In total, researchers estimate implementation of dedicated observation units could save $950 million annually across the nation. In addition, they estimate 11.7 percent of inpatient with short stays could be treated instead in dedicated observation units, resulting in annual savings between $5.5 and $8.5 billion.
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