THE ASSESSMENT OF MORBIDITY AND THE USE OF HOSPITAL SERVICES IN A COUNTY, FOR BETTER PLANNING HOSPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Abstract:
Background: The healthcare need and costs are increasing, hospital expenditure having a big impact. New hospital structures need to be projected based on population and morbidity needs, standards and guidelines. Objectives: To assess the discrepancy between the need and the supply of hospital services, to support projects for new hospital infrastructure. Materials and methods: Literature review about hospital planning, design and building, completed with data analysis of demographic, morbidity indicators and hospital utilisation indicators. Results: In spite of lack of harmonization of morbidity coding, and various catalogues used by different institutions, it is possible to use in Romania demographic, morbidity, and hospital utilization data to assess the need of hospital services; there are discrepancies in utilization between similar wards in different hospitals; surgical activity cannot be assessed only based on hospital beds. Conclusions: A unique reporting standard is needed; further analysis is necessary to assess the need for operating theatres and actual plan new hospitals.
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