Prevention of AcuTe admIssioN Algorithm (PATINA)

Utilization of public health care mirrors the older individual\'s overall health, and increased need for health care may precede more clear symptoms of acute disease. In a previous retrospective study, we found a significant increase in municipal home care service (minutes/week) in a 12-month period prior to acute hospitalization. This PhD-study aims at examining the effect of a software algorithm monitoring older citizens utilization of municipal home care. When home care increases the community nurse is notified and special attention is paid to the individual\'s current health situation. Pro-active health care initiatives may be launched in collaboration with the primary care physician. The intervention is the algorithm.