In mental health there has not been a consistent set of definitions that describe what is meant by an inpatient bed. This has led to difficulty in benchmarking and understanding patterns of performance.
This report seeks to address those variations of understanding by suggesting a range of definitions that can be used by commissioners and service providers.
Health and social care commissioners and service providers are focusing on the importance of quality and productivity as ways of ensuring better outcomes, improved service models and effective interventions.
Doing this requires a clearer understanding of the types of services currently provided, an understanding that is shared across the system.