[Persons aged 65 years and over admitted to the medical department of a hospital in the Danish provinces with 4 specialized departments. An analysis of extra days of hospitalization related to the services for senior citizens in 4 communities].

In a retrospective investigation of year 1985, it was found that out of 438 medical patients greater than or equal to 65 years there were in all 42 patients who together were responsible for 1,543 bed-days after the time when they were considered to have concluded hospital treatment. The extra bed-days correspond to approximately 9% of the total medical bed capacity. The patients came from four communities whose coverage with nursing homes, home nursing services and home help arrangements were very different. It was found that increase in nursing home capacity was followed by decrease in the number of extra bed-days among the patients who had extra bed-days. When the number of home nurses increased, fewer elderly patients from the community concerned, were admitted who ended by having extra long hospitalization. These conditions are discussed and the results are compared with previously published investigations. It is concluded that improved cooperation between communities and hospitals, is required.