Clin Med
The most recent articles from:
Clin Med
-
Bed availability remains the main operational focus for managers and clinicians on a day-to-day basis within the NHS. There is now published research that establishes a lack of bed stock is too simplistic an explanation of the situation. ⋯ So far most of what little work has been done has focused on the front end of the process, to 'buffer' unplanned admissions through the use of short-stay facilities, such as medical assessment units, as a short-term solution. This paper reviews the evidence for the hypothesis that bed availability problems can be solved by actions other than the addition of more beds to the system.