Appropriateness of hospital use in the United Kingdom: a review of activity in the field.

OBJECTIVE

This paper reviews experience, in both research and application, with measures of appropriateness applied to the utilization of hospital inpatient services in the UK.

BACKGROUND

The evolution of different methods for measuring appropriateness of use and the associated reasons for misutilization are described. RESEARCH AND APPLICATION: Recent research developments and applications are outlined and discussed.

CONCLUSION

Contemporary enthusiasm with "Diagnosis Independent Explicit Criteria Utilization Review Instruments" is observed and some of the underlying influences are explored.