Hospitalization outcome studies. Implications for the treatment of the very ill patient.

There are two basic findings from the hospitalization outcome literature: Active treatment is more effective than custodial care, and length-of-stay has little influence on later outcome. We have no current models that help us conceptualize the optimal hospital treatment for patients who are refractory, noncompliant, or without social supports. This article reviews the most important hospitalization outcome studies and emphasizes the need for further research in this area.