General practitioners and the geriatric day hospital

All patients referred by general practitioners (GPs) over a year period to a geriatric day hospital were assessed at home. Sixty-one patients were referred and 33 (54%) were accepted for day hospital attendance, Alternatives were found for the remaining 28 (46%). Day hospitals are underused by GPs and there is confusion between the different functions of day hospitals and social service day centres. Guidelines to assist in patient selection are provided.