Challenges, benefits and weaknesses of intermediate care: results from five UK case study sites.

The authors explore the views of practitioners and managers on the implementation of intermediate care for elderly people across England, including their perceptions of the challenges involved in its implementation, and their assessment of the main benefits and weaknesses of provision. Qualitative data were collected in five case study sites (English primary care trusts) via semistructured interviews (n = 61) and focus group discussions (n = 21) during 2003 to 2004. Interviewees included senior managers, intermediate care service managers, clinicians and health and social care staff involved in the delivery of intermediate care.

Costs and health outcomes of intermediate care: results from five UK case study sites.

The objectives of this study were to explore the costs and outcomes associated with different types of intermediate care (IC) services, and also to examine the characteristics of patients receiving such services. Five UK case studies of 'whole systems' of IC were used, with data collected on a sample of consecutive IC episodes between January 2003 and January 2004. Statistical differences in costs and outcomes associated with different IC services and patient groups were explored.

The organisation, form and function of intermediate care services and systems in England: results from a national survey.

This paper reports the results of a postal survey of intermediate care coordinators (ICCs) on the organisation and delivery of intermediate care services for older people in England, conducted between November 2003 and May 2004. Questionnaires, which covered a range of issues with a variety of quantitative, tick-box and open-ended questions, were returned by 106 respondents, representing just over 35% of primary care trusts (PCTs). The authors discuss the role of ICCs, the integration of local systems of intermediate care provision, and the form, function and model of delivery of services described by respondents.

Incidence and reinfection rates of genital chlamydial infection among women aged 16-24 years attending general practice, family planning and genitourinary medicine clinics in England: a prospective cohort study by the Chlamydia Recall Study Advisory Group.

Background: In England, screening for genital chlamydial infection has begun; however, screening frequency for women is not yet determined.

Aim: To measure chlamydia incidence and reinfection rates among young women to suggest screening intervals.

Methods: An 18-month prospective cohort study of women aged 16-24 years recruited from general practices, family planning clinics and genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics: baseline-negative women followed for incidence and baseline-positive women for reinfection; urine tested every 6 months via nucleic acid amplification; and behavioural data collected.

Diversity in intermediate care.

This paper discusses the evolution of intermediate care (IC) and presents interim observations from a survey of providers in England being conducted as part of a national evaluation. Telephone interviews covering various issues concerning the level of provision and style of delivery have been conducted with 70 services to date. Data from these are used to discuss the progress, range and nature of IC in relation to clinician viewpoints and academic and official literature on the subject.

Who has chlamydia? The prevalence of genital tract Chlamydia trachomatis within Portsmouth and South East Hampshire, UK.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of genital tract Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women and men attending different health care settings in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire.

Design: Prospective, opportunistic screening.

Setting: Multiple health care sites.