The attitudes of patients to integrated medical care

Age Ageing. 1999 May;28(3):271-3. doi: 10.1093/ageing/28.3.271.

Abstract

Aim: To establish the attitude of inpatients to integrated medical care.

Setting: A district general hospital which had recently adopted the model of integrated medical care.

Methods: 205 patients of all ages were interviewed and asked about their general views and their personal experience of integrated medical care and their preference had they been given a choice. Those patients who had previously been admitted before integration were asked if they felt the quality of care had changed.

Results: Integrated medical wards were preferred by most patients and this preference was greater in older patients. However, 30% identified patients on their wards who they felt should be segregated on account of confusion, frailty or youthfulness. Of the 69 who had been admitted before integration, 88% commented that the quality of care was either the same or better.

Conclusion: Integrated medical care was the preferred model of care, especially by elderly patients. The special needs of some patients were, however, recognized. Perhaps the ideal model is a needs-related policy within a fully integrated system.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated*
  • Female
  • Geriatrics
  • Health Services for the Aged*
  • Hospital Units
  • Hospitals, General
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Care Team
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Social Environment