The average length of stay for inpatient care in the US is forecasted to increase gradually from 7 days in 2024 to 7.4 days in 2028. This reflects a stable upward trend, with each year experiencing a 1.4% increase compared to the previous year. Since 2023, when the length of stay stood at approximately 6.9 days, the average variation per year over the last five years (CAGR) indicates a steady increase.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Impact of healthcare policies aiming to reduce hospital stays.
- Technological advancements and their potential to streamline patient care and discharge.
- Possible effects of demographic changes, such as an aging population, on inpatient care duration.