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Prolonged pediatric hospital stays were driven by systemic gaps and complex psychiatric needs, underscoring the urgency for coordinated mental health discharge solutions.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study published in June 2025 issue of Journal of Pediatrics to identify factors associated with prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS) and delayed discharges (DD) among children referred to Pediatric Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Services (PLPS) in a tertiary hospital in Ireland.  

They performed a 5-year chart review from April 2019 to May 2024, analyzing demographic, clinical, and systemic data for individuals with prolonged hospital admissions (LOS > 30 days) and DD. Clinician insights were obtained through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative responses to identify key themes linked to discharge barriers.  

The results showed that 107 individuals met the criteria for prolonged LOS > 30 days. Delays were primarily linked to systemic issues, including limited availability of inpatient psychiatric units and insufficient community-based support services. Patient-related contributors included complex psychiatric comorbidities, particularly eating disorders and neurodevelopmental conditions. Clinician interviews demonstrated additional barriers, such as resource limitations and difficulties in discharge planning. Extended psychiatric admissions in medical wards were associated with treatment delays, safety concerns, and elevated resource burden.  

Investigators concluded that improving interagency coordination, boosting psychiatric inpatient capacity, and creating efficient discharge pathways were essential to reduce inappropriate hospital stays and improve outcomes for individuals of pediatrics with mental health needs. 

Source: jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(25)00241-0/abstract