Subacute Acute Interface Project

Access to sub-acute services has a direct impact on the ability of acute health services to transfer patients with complex or longer term needs to more appropriate extended care. This not only can ensure the best use of acute hospital resources, but ensures that older patients or those with complex needs have access to appropriate services, including rehabilitation or the involvement of aged care specialists in their ongoing care. This project investigated the interface between acute and sub-acute service systems, and identified ways in which it could be improved.

The objectives of the project were to:

• Investigate the service models and management of older people in acute and sub-acute care in metropolitan health services.
• Recommend strategies to ensure the best use of acute and sub-acute resources in managing service demand.
• Inform classification and funding of sub-acute services to achieve optimal service utilisation.