Nurs Crit Care. 2026 Mar;31(2):e70383. doi: 10.1111/nicc.70383.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The length of stay (LOS) in critical care units greatly influences patient outcomes, nursing responsibilities and resource use.
AIM: This study aimed to identify the average LOS among CABG patients and the factors associated with LOS among CABG patients in critical care units in Jordan.
STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational study was conducted across nine Jordanian medical centres between January and July 2023. The study sample was selected through convenience sampling. Data regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, and pre-, intra- and postoperative factors were gathered using a validated questionnaire and medical records.
RESULTS: This study recruited 172 patients undergoing CABG. The average age of participants was 57.86 years (SD ±9.5). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (73.3%) and hyperlipidaemia (69.2%), while the most frequent postoperative complication was electrolyte imbalance (42.4%). The average length of stay (LOS) was 3.8 days (SD ±2). Key factors predicting an increased LOS included acute kidney injury (β = 4.7, p = 0.002), atrial fibrillation (β = 1.82, p < 0.05), bleeding (β = 1.35, p < 0.05) and long chest tube duration (β = 2.78, p < 0.05). In contrast, intraoperative fresh frozen plasma transfusion (β = -1.68, p = 0.050) and treatment in private hospitals (β = -2.5, p = 0.010) were associated with reduced LOS.
CONCLUSION: Identifying the predictors of LOS is crucial for critical care nursing to improve patient management and facilitate recovery. Targeted nursing actions to address complications and minimise delays can enhance outcomes, shorten LOS and lessen the burden on resources in critical care settings.
RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Our study highlighted the lack of standardised, evidence-based CABG management protocols. Hence, health policymakers, healthcare professionals and nursing leaders are invited to develop practical guidelines that may enhance both patient outcomes and nursing efficiency in critical care settings. Additionally, this study identified fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion as a key factor in reducing the length of stay. Thus, optimising transfusion protocols may enhance recovery, minimise complications, streamline nursing workflows, reduce the ICU burden and improve overall care delivery.
PMID:41655002 | DOI:10.1111/nicc.70383
