Date of Conferral
5-26-2025
Date of Award
May 2025
Degree
Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.)
School
Health Services
Advisor
Dr. Edessa Jobli
Abstract
Using national cross-sectional data sets and explanatory variables from CMS, the purpose of this study was to analyze identified adolescents on Medicaid from 2019 to 2021, to determine the interaction of length of stay (LOS) on the frequency of unplanned 30-day readmissions. Students with mental disorders are the most susceptible population during enrollment in healthcare facilities, which is why LOS and readmissions represent one of the most critical points in supporting these learners. This study established the association between LOS and the increased proportion of 30-day readmissions among consumers under Medicaid with mental health conditions in the adolescence stage. To improve the accuracy of the results of the regression analysis, more detailed diagnostic techniques, such as the internal validation of the results and the assessment of the reliability of the results, were used. The results were based on quantitative data collected from nationwide samples, which were analyzed with strict statistical parameters. The results showed that LOS was positively associated with readmission, suggesting that extended LOS was linked to high readmission rates within 30 days among adolescent mental health patients under Medicaid (r = 0.665, p < 0.001; Beta = 0.769, p < 0.001). Based on the findings of the study, there is an anticipation of the need to design intervention strategies and adequate resource management to address the issue of readmissions and medication for clients who are under Medicaid coverage and adolescents with mental health issues. These conclusions are of key importance for healthcare legislation, prognosis, and financing, they create the foundation upon which the treatment of these patients is going to be focused in a more targeted manner to reduce the number of readmissions and improve the overall delivery of care.
Recommended Citation
Waugh, Rhona Rebecca, "Relationship Between Length of Stay and Unplanned Readmissions for Adolescent Medicaid Beneficiaries in Mental Health" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17775.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17775
