Läkartidningen
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We assessed the appropriateness of 566 consecutive acute admissions to three departments of internal medicine in southeast Sweden. Using a modified version of the Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (AEP), 23 per cent of the admissions were classified as medically inappropriate. ⋯ Patients admitted inappropriately showed a lower mean cost of stay than those admitted appropriately according to AEP, 13,400 SEK and 15,100 SEK, respectively (P < 0.05). Given that the modified AEP lacks validation, uncertainty remains whether it can serve as a supportive tool in routine care management in Sweden.