The Justification For A Geriatric Acute Care Bed Designation And The Subsequent Development Of A Geriatric Acute Care Bed Need Methodology

Abstract

his topic postulates the need for a geriatric acute care bed designation within the United States and addresses the subsequent development of a methodology by which to assess geriatric acute care beds. A justification of this need is presented through an examination of recent literature and pertinent utilization data which reviews the relevant elements of: • The Existing Health Care Delivery System; • The National Health Planning Environment; • The Use of Acute Care by the Aged; and • The Geriatric Patient and the Delivery of Care. The development of a geriatric acute care bed need methodology represents a synthesis of the differential characteristics examined and distinctive factors revealed in the aforementioned elements, a review of recent literature, and an analysis of existing acute care bed need methodologies in conjunction with the author's insight. In concluding, the thesis presents a formulated demand methodology predicated upon the major demand variable of age. A brief discourse disclosing the primary strengths and weaknesses of the methodology is included.