Background: The increasing numbers of elderly in need of basic medical and nursing care challenges prioritization and quality assurance within the Norwegian health care system.
Material and methods: A questionnaire on health care to patients aged 75 years or older was sent to 2103 doctors and nurses employed in hospitals and primary community care.
Results: 67% returned the questionnaire. 92% of the nurses and 79% of the doctors stated that lack of resources related to all levels of medical and nursing care for ill elderly patients cause personal strain. Personnel shortage, lack of time and lack of money were the three most frequently mentioned causes of unsatisfactory coverage of basic needs. 29% said they experience reduced quality of medical treatment weekly or daily, while 25% stated that they meet reduced quality of diagnostics just as frequently. Even more often, the respondents experienced unsatisfactory coverage of hygiene and nutrition, but social needs and exercise were the most neglected areas. Nurses and doctors employed in nursing care institutions most frequently expressed that lack of resources have serious consequences for patients aged 75 years or older.
Interpretation: Basic medical care for elderly ill patients is not sufficient with respect to diagnostics and medical treatment. In particular, nursing care and meeting the individuals' psychosocial needs are not prioritised highly enough. Both doctors and nurses frequently describe shortage of time as a problem. Poorly organized medical care, including lack of coordination, seems to be a continuous problem in health care for the elderly.