[The relation of hospital and outpatient care: an important factor in geriatric practice].

An example of a way to establish contact between hospital and outpatient care was demonstrated by the method of working at a clinic for geriatrics and rehabilitation. The basis for evaluation of the working method concerning the patient is optimal information about his situation at the time of hospitalisation. An objective for the hospitalisation can be determined together with the patient. The progress achieved during hospitalisation is judged at regular intervals by the patient and the staff taking care of him. This makes an estimation of the length of required hospitalisation possible. About 40% of the patients returning to family practitioner care require outpatient care. The division between the different services involved is demonstrated. The working method was judged, based on an inquiry at the family practitioners.