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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2020

Open Access 01-12-2020 | Research article

Models and methods for determining the optimal number of beds in hospitals and regions: a systematic scoping review

Authors: Hamid Ravaghi, Saeide Alidoost, Russell Mannion, Victoria D. Bélorgeot

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

Determining the optimal number of hospital beds is a complex and challenging endeavor and requires models and techniques which are sensitive to the multi-level, uncertain, and dynamic variables involved. This study identifies and characterizes extant models and methods that can be used to determine the required number of beds at hospital and regional levels, comparing their advantages and challenges.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and PubMed databases, with the search terms hospital bed capacity, hospital bed need, hospital, bed size, model, and method.

Results

Twenty-three studies met the criteria to be included in the review. Of these studies, a total of 11 models and 5 methods were identified, mainly designed to determine hospital bed capacity at the regional level. Common determinants of the required number of hospital beds in these models included demographic changes, average length of stay, admission rates, and bed occupancy rates.

Conclusions

There are no specific norms for the required number of beds at hospital and regional levels, but some of the identified models and methods may be used to estimate this number in different contexts. Moreover, it is important to consider alternative approaches to planning hospital capacity like care pathways to fix the limitations of “bed numbers”.
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Metadata
Title
Models and methods for determining the optimal number of beds in hospitals and regions: a systematic scoping review
Authors
Hamid Ravaghi
Saeide Alidoost
Russell Mannion
Victoria D. Bélorgeot
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-5023-z

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