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Variation in Inpatient Bed Utilization Across Clinical Specialties: Identifying Opportunities for Capacity Optimization in District General Hospital Matale


Authors : Wijethunga R.S.; Abeywickrama N.; Fernando G.H.S.

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 9 - September


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mryntkc4

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26sep099

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : Introduction Efficient utilization and in-ward bed management in a hospital is important for resource management and service delivery. Hospital-wide Bed Occupancy Rate (BOR) measures may conceal substantial differences in utilization between individual wards. Analysis of routinely collected ward-level statistics can therefore provide useful evidence for inpatient capacity planning.  Objective To assess variation and temporal trends in inpatient bed utilization across clinical units in District General Hospital Matale.  Methodology A retrospective study was conducted using routinely collected hospital statistics from 1st of July 2024 to 30th June 2026. Twelve inpatient wards in different specialties with complete and comparable data through the study period were included. Monthly BOR was calculated using inpatient days and available bed-days. Mean, standard deviation, range and coefficient variation were used to describe the level and variability of occupancy.

Keywords : Bed Occupancy Rate; Hospital Beds; Hospital Bed Management; Routine Health Information.

References :

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Introduction Efficient utilization and in-ward bed management in a hospital is important for resource management and service delivery. Hospital-wide Bed Occupancy Rate (BOR) measures may conceal substantial differences in utilization between individual wards. Analysis of routinely collected ward-level statistics can therefore provide useful evidence for inpatient capacity planning.  Objective To assess variation and temporal trends in inpatient bed utilization across clinical units in District General Hospital Matale.  Methodology A retrospective study was conducted using routinely collected hospital statistics from 1st of July 2024 to 30th June 2026. Twelve inpatient wards in different specialties with complete and comparable data through the study period were included. Monthly BOR was calculated using inpatient days and available bed-days. Mean, standard deviation, range and coefficient variation were used to describe the level and variability of occupancy.

Keywords : Bed Occupancy Rate; Hospital Beds; Hospital Bed Management; Routine Health Information.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - October - 2026

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