Factors Associated with Discharge Destination in Patients with Bone Metastases

This study looks at what factors influence where patients with bone metastases go after being discharged from the hospital. Understanding these factors can help improve their quality of life. The study found that spinal cord compression, hypercalcemia, and a patient's walking ability when admitted to the hospital are all connected to where they go after discharge. The ability to walk, specifically needing only one person to help prevent falls on level ground, was a key factor in being able to go home after hospitalization for bone metastases.

• 1
  Spinal cord compression (SCC) was significantly associated with discharge to a non-home setting (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.35–8.43).
• 2
  Hypercalcemia was significantly associated with discharge to a non-home setting (OR 6.84, 95% CI 1.09–42.76).
• 3
  Functional ambulation category (FAC) at admission was significantly associated with discharge destination (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.35–0.58), with a cut-off value of 1.5 for predicting discharge to home.