The New Patient Index - a method of measuring the activity of day hospitals.

The workload of three Day Hospitals was studied during 1973 and a simple mathematical calculation, the New Patient Index, devised to enable rapid assessment of function and activity to be made. This calculation gives a more accurate assessment of function than the conventional returns of total attendance or of new patient attendance for it takes size and activity into account. It can be measured over any period of time, weekly, monthly or yearly. It is proposed that a calculated New Patient Index should be included in all future reports on Day Hospitals. In addition it is suggested that the calculation should be used to plan Day Hospital development based on the discerned needs of the elderly in an area or district.