Revealing regional differences in the institutionalization of adult patients in homes for the elderly and nursing homes: results of the Belgian network of sentinel GPs

Objectives. The aim of this study was, firstly, to determine the number of institutionalizations in homes for the elderly and nursing homes and, secondly, to learn about regional differences in the placement procedure and the pre-existing problems and diseases. Methods. Data were recorded during 1994 by the 143 GPs of the network of sentinel practices, which is representative of Belgian GPs. All placements of adult patients in homes for the elderly and nursing homes were registered. Results. During 1994, Belgian sentinel GPs placed 297 patients in a nursing home or a home for the elderly. Most... Mehr ...