What is intermediate care?

Intermediate care is an emerging concept in health care, which may offer attractive alternatives to hospital care for elderly patients. As little scientific evidence exists on the benefits of intermediate care, research is especially important.1^–3 A prerequisite for research is agreement on the definition of a concept, which is lacking for intermediate care. The term intermediate care is often used as if its meaning is clear, but it conveys little meaning other than being about care that is “in between.” Commonly used definitions of intermediate care do not help much, and several very different definitions are in use. What is needed at the outset is a consensus on what constitutes intermediate care. Until this is agreed on, the concept of intermediate care will remain a mirage and its possibilities unknown.

The term intermediate care was introduced in the United Kingdom's NHS Plan and refined in the national service framework for older people.4 5 The concept seems to arise out of a policy imperative, rather than an analysis of the scientific evidence about effective models of care. Objectives such as “promotion of independence” and …