Abstract
The purpose of this study was to review changes in working practises of physicians and hospitals from 1996 to 2001 in the light of rising medical admissions and published reports into the organisation of acute admissions. Information was gathered by direct discussion with the appropriate lead doctor for each hospital's acute service in February 2001. The results were compared with a previously published study, which recorded the situation as of October 1996.
The hospitals which were studied were the twenty seven Scottish hospitals which admit more than 3000 acute medical patients each year. There has been a 25% increase in number of consultants carrying out receiving duties. Nearly all hospitals now have an acute admission unit. Four hospitals have appointed acute care physicians. Triage of appropriate patients to more specialised ward based care has increased. There has been a rise in geriatricians involvement in acute receiving from four to fifteen hospitals. New developments include early discharge for chronic obstructive airway disease, outpatient management of venous thrombosis, discharge planning and streamlining investigation of chest pain. Two hospitals have specific alcohol support services. There continues to be progress and changes within medical and geriatric services over the last five years stimulated by the continuing rise in number of medical admissions.
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