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Pathways into and through services for the elderly in Europe: a research design
1School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Bath, United Kingdom.
Revue D'Epidemiologie Et De Sante Publique
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Elderly care services in Europe are insufficient and inefficiently managed. This study examines how structural issues in health and social care systems hinder effective service delivery for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Health Services Research
- Social Policy
Background:
- Elderly care services across Europe face significant demand exceeding supply, indicating resource inadequacy.
- Existing resources may not be utilized effectively, prompting an investigation into service delivery efficiency.
- Fragmentation and inflexibility within health and social care systems potentially exacerbate service shortages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of resource utilization in European elderly care services.
- To identify structural barriers hindering efficient and adaptive service delivery for the elderly.
- To analyze the relationship between health and social service system structures and care delivery outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Cross-national research design implemented across eight European Community countries.
- Observational cohort study tracking patients/clients through health and social services.
- Exploration of client, relative, and service provider expectations and experiences.
Main Results:
- Preliminary findings suggest that fragmentation among organizations and professions leads to inflexibility.
- Over-concentration of resources in medical and residential institutions appears to limit adaptability.
- Structural features of service systems significantly impact the effective delivery of care for the elderly.
Conclusions:
- Inefficiencies in elderly care are linked to system fragmentation, inflexibility, and institutional over-concentration.
- Addressing structural deficits in health and social care systems is crucial for improving elderly care.
- Cross-national comparative research provides valuable insights into optimizing elderly care service delivery.
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