The attitudes of patients to integrated medical care.
OBJECTIVE
To establish the attitude of inpatients to integrated medical care.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Bene
J
J
The Royal Oldham Hospital, UK.
Solomon
S A
SA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006757:Hospital Units; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012931:Social Environment