Factors influencing inappropriate hospitalization in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: physicians' perspectives.

This study investigated factors causing inappropriate hospitalization from the physicians' perspectives at government, primary and military hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire to 250 physicians showed that the majority were aware of inappropriate admissions. Problems with inappropriate admissions occurred more frequently at public hospitals (both government and military) than private hospitals. The reasons believed to contribute most to inappropriate admission and hospitalization were the inability of the patient's family to take care of the patient, to satisfy the patient's request, and the absence of someone to get the patient out of the hospital.