[Productivity and patient satisfaction. An evaluation of a urological short-term unit]

A study of a short term unit was performed in the Urological Department of the University Hospital of Copenhagen at Hvidovre. The study reflects the productivity of the unit by measuring patient flow, average admission time, utilization of the bed capacity and examination and treatment activities. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated. The results showed a total rise in productivity of 6%, a fall of one day in the average length of hospital stay and a high degree of patient satisfaction. Surgical short term units can be recommended, provided that admission criteria are precise, the nursing staff and medical staff of the unit are highly qualified and a continuity of the patients' stay at the hospital is secured.