Swing beds for small or rural hospitals

One hundred percent PRO review is only one of many issues small or rural hospitals must consider when contemplating the use of swing beds. Other areas of consideration, according to Mr Losoff, include: local nursing homes that perceive competition; low utilization rates that may result in little additional income; the need to monitor resources that are allocated to swing-bed patients; more acutely ill patients who demand more intense services; and the lack of experience with swing beds by state officials and fiscal intermediaries. Despite these potential drawbacks, quality-of-care concerns and cost-containment efforts inherent in the successful use of the swing-bed concept can work to the hospitals' benefit. They can use staff more efficiently; increase patient access to physicians; increase income slightly; and provide diversification opportunities. The patients also benefit from these advantages as well as from those previously mentioned. However, the complexities of the swing-bed concept necessitate that hospitals carefully consider and completely understand the advantages and disadvantages as they relate to each individual situation before considering this an option, much less the aforementioned panacea. Or, as Mr Losoff advised, "Do a lot of planning. And when you're ready to do it keep your fingers crossed, take a deep breath, and go forward".