Swings and roundabouts in the quality of care in acute hospitals

摘要

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) state in their report, Hospitals on the edge? The time for action (RCP, 2012) that the demand on clinical services is increasing to the point where acute care cannot keep pace in its current form. This hard hitting report from a review of the literature and other sources states that there are a third fewer general and acute beds now than there were 25 years ago, yet the last decade alone has seen a 37% increase in emergency admissions. This is coupled with a change in patients' needs. Nearly two thirds (65%) of people admitted to hospital are over 65 years old, and an increasing number are frail or have a diagnosis of dementia. However, all too often hospital buildings, services and staff are not equipped to deal with those with multiple, complex needs. The report focuses on a number of areas of concern. Attached to the report are also some survey results from RCP members and physician quotes. The survey results are summarised in Box 1.