Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association
-
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) services are expensive, and therefore appropriate utilisation is imperative. Delayed discharges impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of ICU services. This study examines the prevalence and reasons for delayed discharge. ⋯ Improvement in bed management and discharge processes (the only factors directly controllable by the hospital) is essential to reduce delays in discharge from ICU. Reducing discharge delays would free up beds for other admissions; may result in a cost saving for the hospital through more efficient resource utilisation; and, ultimately, would benefit patients.
-
The role of private health insurance (PHI) within the Australian health-care system is urgently in need of comprehensive review. Two decades of universal health cover under Medicare have meant a change in the function of PHI, which is not reflected in policies to support PHI nor in the public debate around PHI. There is increasing evidence that the series of policy adjustments introduced to support PHI have served to undermine rather than promote the efficiency and equity of Australia's health care system. ⋯ The Commonwealth share of the health care budget has increased and the relative contribution from private health insurance is lower in 2001-02, despite an increase in PHI membership to nearly 45% of the population, compared with the 30% coverage in 1998. The policies have largely directed subsidies to those on higher incomes who are more likely to take out PHI, and to private insurance companies, private hospitals and medical specialists. Ad hoc policy adjustments need to be replaced by a coherent policy towards PHI, one that recognises the fundamental change in its role and significance in the context of universal health coverage.