Out-patient geriatric assessment by a hospital-based general practitioner : results and financial implications


Anette Hylen Ranhoff
Bok Engelsk 1997
Utgitt
1997
Omfang
15 s. + vedl.
Opplysninger
Abstract: Objective - Norway has few specialists in geriatric medicine, but geriatric services are supposed to be implemented in all local hospitals. I assess a model for local hospital out-patient geriatric service headed by a general practitioner. Design - Description and evaluation of the service. Setting - Local hospital with 128 beds. Participants - 266 elderly patients referred for geriatric assessment. Main outcome measures - IDC-9 diagnostic categories, general patient well-being before and after assessment, patients`and referring doctors`satisfaction. Cost of the service and income received. Results - Age, gender and diagnoses were within the same range as in other studies of out-patient geriatric assessment. Two hundred and three (85.3%) out of 238 patients reached in follow-up interviews were staisfied with the service provided and reported a significant improved general well-being. Referring doctors also reported satisfaction with the service. The service was financed by charges paid by the patients and a capitation fee from the social security. Cost per patient was £ 94. Conclusion - The study shows that in Norway a GP can implement an outpatient geri atric service wich improves the patients`general well-being is cost effective.
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