[The implications of the hospitalist phenomenon]

To evaluate the effect of 2 different systems of hospital care by means of a literature review.

Many areas remain unclear because several of the studies are opportunistic and report only isolated experiences or simple before-after observations. Few studies are really experimental, and all were conducted in academic settings, which limits their validity outside these settings.

The evidence supports the use of hospitalists who devote a minimum of 2 months each year to hospital work and practice full-time on the wards. More often than not, costs are reduced and better education for residents is provided with the hospitalist system. An important point regarding quality of care is that mortality rates are similar with both systems.

Some questions remain unanswered. For example, what is the best type of training for preparing residents for hospital work and what is the best way for physicians to maintain their skills in this area?