[Healthcare of the elderly: results of health services research and implications for nursing practice].
The objects of health services research are, among others, analyses of the demand for healthcare services and institutions and for nursing of ill and disabled elderly people, as well as analyses of the outcome of service performance in view of quality of life, effectiveness, and resource management. In order to adequately describe and support the health state of elderly in current and future life situations, it is important to gather an exact knowledge about epidemiological developments and demands for specific services in the provision of healthcare and nursing care. In case of a disease, the accessibility, quantity and quality of medical, nursing and psychosocial care determine considerably the organisation of life and the way of dealing with the disease. Thus, considerations on prevention, rehabilitation and health promotion for elderly (healthy ageing) gain an increasing relevance, particularly for nursing practice. This article focuses on central aspects of health services research with respect to results of gerontology research and nursing science. Possible demands and perspectives are derived in view of future developments. The issues of quality assurance and quality improvement are of central importance.
Görres
Stefan
S
Universität Bremen, Institut für angewandte Pflegeforschung (iap). sgoerres@uni-bremen.de
Martin
Sabine
S
D000368:Aged; D005851:Geriatric Nursing; D005858:Germany; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care