Predicting length of stay for acute medical admissions using the ALICE score: a simple bedside tool

Background: Early identification of patients likely to have a short admission permits best use of limited resources to facilitate rapid discharge where possible. The ALICE score is a simple bedside tool developed in one hospital as a decision aid. This study sought to confirm its widespread applicability. Method: Retrospective review of 250 consecutive admissions at five acute hospitals. Clinical records were reviewed for a total of 1003 patients. ALICE score was calculated for each patient and compared to LoS data. Results: There was a statistically significant positive correlation between rising ALICE scores and increasing length of stay irrespective of final diagnoses. Conclusion: The ALICE score provides a simple bedside tool to predict length of stay.