title: Using DRGs in developing referral policies for coronary care within a local health district.
abstract: This paper presents the results of a study into some specific aspects of the management of coronary heart disease within one district health authority. In particular, it is concerned with the appropriate balance of inpatient coronary care between the district general hospital and community hospitals in the light of current and potential changes in the clinical management of coronary cases. The study is an example of a multidisciplinary approach to local health planning which is beginning to emerge within the Exeter Health District, the methodology of which may be applicable to client groups within the medical specialties other than coronary cases, such as strokes or respiratory disorders. It also illustrates the use of spatial analysis and diagnosis-related groups in local planning.
mesh_terms: D003325:Coronary Care Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000145:classification; D003625:Data Collection; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D004739:England; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005544:Forecasting; D006767:Hospitals, District / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012040:Regional Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013222:State Medicine