Hospital bed occupancy: more than queuing for a bed

Medical Journal of AustraliaVolume 193, Issue 5 p. 291-293 For debate Hospital bed occupancy: more than queuing for a bed Andrew D Keegan MB BS, FRACP, PhD, Corresponding Author Andrew D Keegan MB BS, FRACP, PhD Adjunct Associate Professor; and Gastroenterologist adkeegan@pnc.com.au Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW. Nepean Hospital, Sydney, NSW.Correspondence: adkeegan@pnc.com.auSearch for more papers by this author Andrew D Keegan MB BS, FRACP, PhD, Corresponding Author Andrew D Keegan MB BS, FRACP, PhD Adjunct Associate Professor; and Gastroenterologist adkeegan@pnc.com.au Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW. Nepean Hospital, Sydney, NSW.Correspondence: adkeegan@pnc.com.auSearch for more papers by this author First published: 06 September 2010 https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2010.tb03910.xCitations: 48Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract Timely access to safe hospital care remains a major concern. Target bed-occupancy rates have been proposed as a measure of the ability of a hospital to function safely and effectively. High bed-occupancy rates have been shown to be associated with greater risks of hospital-associated infection and access block and to have a negative impact on staff health. Clinical observational data have suggested that bed occupancies above 85% could adversely affect safe, effective hospital function. Using this figure, at least initially, would be of value in the planning and operational management of public hospital beds in Australia. There is an urgent need to develop meaningful outcome measures of patient care that could replace the process measures currently in use. Citing Literature Volume193, Issue5September 2010Pages 291-293 RelatedInformation