An initial analysis on the variation in health service provision for older people in Wales

Abstract

To consider the provision of services to older people in Wales and to undertake an initial analysis, without judgement, of the variation that might exist. Wales has a National Service Framework for Older People which presents evidence-based standards for service provision. Analysis of one of these standards has suggested that there is variation in practice within Wales. A ‘realist review’ was undertaken using the search engine ‘Pubmed’. The method has been used in other situations and the ‘realist reviewer’ makes annotated comments on documents and extracts a summary of messages. Certain broad themes emerge from the studies included. Primarily, there is an observed variation in the provision of a number of services in Wales. Variations appear in the provision of health services to older people in Wales. Establishing a research, policy and practice interface arrangement which includes researchers, providers and policy makers may be helpful.