Supply of inpatient geriatric medical services in Australia

This study summarizes the findings of a national survey of inpatient geriatric services in Australia conducted in 2001. These data are unique as there are no uniform administrative data systems available to provide this information. Eight hundred and eighty-eight hospitals were surveyed and full responses were received from 690, representing 78% of hospitals and 85% of all hospital beds. The results illustrated wide variation in the style and level of provision of services among hospitals and across regional and state jurisdictions.