Effect of Discharge Via an Intermediate Care Unit

Can Discharge Via an Intermediate Care Unit Prevent Aggravation of Disease and Loss of Functionality, Without Increasing the Level of Cost? A Controlled Observational Study

The main goal is to investigate the following topics:

1. Can discharge via the Intermediate Care Unit in Stjørdal, compared to direct discharge to Verdal Municipality, be equally effective in preventing aggravation of disease and loss of function for patients over 60 years that have been hospitalized in Levanger hospital?
2. Are the cost by discharge to the Intermediate Care Unit in Stjørdal, when the hospital is not located in the same Municipality, comparable to the cost by direct discharge to the Municipality of Verdal, for patients over 60 years that have been hospitalized in Levanger hospital?
3. Which issues are considered important by patients and health personnel during discharge, arrival and follow up in the Municipality, to ensure an optimal interaction between the involved units.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients 60 years old or older from Stjørdal- or Verdal municipality,

• given consent,
• admitted from their home,
• diagnostics completed and necessary treatment started
• the patient need not less than 3-4 days institutionalization for treatment/rehabilitation/care

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with severe dementia
• Patients with severe disease who cannot give consent
• Patients with severe disease with short life expectancy (including severe cancer)