This study evaluated the efficacy of a collaborative intervention between hospitals and universities to decrease the length of stay (LOS) in the Emergency Department (ED) for college students. The hypothesis was that university collateral would decrease LOS in the ED. A retrospective chart review was performed for 834 consults in patients aged 18-25 regarding presence of collateral, disposition, and LOS. Of those hospitalized, LOS in the ED was 15.7 h for students with collateral, 14.6 h for students without collateral, and 19.5 h for unenrolled peers. There was a statistically significant difference in LOS for patients hospitalized in enrolled versus unenrolled patients (t = 2.17, p = 0.031). Of those discharged home, students with collateral, students without collateral, and unenrolled peers spent 9.7 h, 11.6 h, and 13.6 h in the ED respectively. LOS of enrolled versus unenrolled patients discharged home trended towards significance (t = 1.80, p = 0.073), but no significance was found in relation to collateral (t = 1.21,p = 0.23). This study found that college students had decreased LOS in the ED regardless of collateral when compared to unenrolled peers.
Keywords: College students; Emergency department; Mental health.