Out-patient case mix: a survey of user requirements.

Research and development of out-patient case mix systems, to plan and monitor resource use in the out-patient sector, has hitherto not been accorded priority in the NHS. As part of an investigation of their usefulness, a survey of NHS professionals' requirements for out-patient case mix was conducted. The results confirmed that there was support for developing out-patient case mix systems, although different users had different requirements. However, a common theme to emerge was the desirability of constructing holistic systems which cover in-patient, day-case and out-patient care. Additionally, development of care packages was seen as a necessary first step in constructing systems for out-patient care. Concludes that visit-based case mix systems are unlikely to fulfil users' requirements and recommends that case mix contracting projects by Healthcare Resource Groups should be extended to the out-patient sector, but must recognize that existing systems do not meet users' requirements.