title: [Relationship between resource utilization and long-term care classification level for residents in nursing homes].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was conducted to examine whether the level of classification for long-term care service under longterm care insurance reflects resource utilization level for residents in nursing homes.
  
  
  METHODS
  From 2 long-term care facilities, the researchers selected 95 participants and identified description and time of care services provided by nurses, certified caregivers, physical therapists and social workers during a 24-hr-period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Resource utilization level was: 281.04 for level 1, 301.05 for level 2 and 270.87 for level 3. Resource utilization was not correlated with level. Differences in resource utilization within the same level were similar with the coefficient of variance, 22.7-27.1%. Physical function was the most influential factor on long-term care scores (r=.88, p<.001). The level for long-term care service did not reflect differences in resource utilization level of residents on long-term care insurance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study indicate that present grading for long-term care service needs to be reconsidered. Further study is needed to adjust the long-term care classification system to reflect the level of resource utilization for care recipients on the long-term care insurance.
authors.affiliation: Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea.
authors.forename: Min Kyoung
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Eun Kyung
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006295:Health Resources / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007353:Insurance, Long-Term Care / Q000191:economics; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000145:classification*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes; D040841:Resource Allocation; D013997:Time Factors