[Incidence and cost estimation of diseases of the nervous system and the psyche. An evaluation of non-profit hospitals]. / Häufigkeit und Kostenschätzung der Erkrankungen des Nervensystems und der Psyche. Eine Evaluierung an österreichischen Non-Profit-Krankenhäusern.

There were 273,722 hospitalizations due to neurological disorders reported in Austria's nonprofit hospitals in 1997, including the related operated cases (14.12% of all 1.9 million hospitalizations). The individual disease groups, e.g., cerebrovascular disorders (59,269 admissions or 3.06%), multiple sclerosis (3,920 admissions or 0.2%) are detailed and the cost resulting from these diseases were estimated according to the Austrian Diagnosis Related Groups. The number of hospitalizations due to psychiatric disorders was 99,346 (5.13%). According to our results, we were able to estimate that 6,492 beds (at the moment 2,053 beds) were required for inpatient treatment in the area of neurology and psychiatry, which means one bed per 1,260 inhabitants.

Hospitalization of patients with neurological disorders and estimation of the need of beds and of the related costs in Austria's non-profit hospitals.

In 1997, 273 722 hospitalizations as a result of neurological disorders, including the related operated cases, were reported in Austria's non-profit hospitals (80% of all hospitals). They represent 14.12% of all 1.9 million in-patient treatments. The individual disease groups, e.g. cerebrovascular disorders (59 269 admissions or 3.06%), multiple sclerosis (3920 admissions or 0.2%) and all other groups are detailed. We estimated the cost resulting from these diseases which amounted to 11.88% of all hospital costs. We were also able to estimate that 5549 beds are required for in-patient treatment in the area of neurology, assuming an average duration of treatment of 8 days (Austrian mean value for neurological disorders). This is equivalent to one bed per 1367 inhabitants or 11.31% of all beds for in-patient treatment in non-profit hospitals in Austria. Obviously at present the majority of neurological patients are treated in non-neurological departments. A major increase in resources to neurology is necessary if patients are to receive the benefit of specialized diagnosis and treatment. These further resources not only cover the increase of neurological beds in hospitals but also financial, personal resources and in consequence increased capacity for neurological education, training and research.