Using the resource utilisation system to analyse cross boundary flow of patients.

The need for information in respect of the treatment patterns of cross boundary flow patients is of increasing importance to hospital managers. Until recently, detailed information as to services being utilised by such patients and the costs involved, have not been available. Using RUS to build specific patient clinical/costing profiles now provides the information that management requires to: determine services and resources being utilised; identify the patient's Board of origin; assist in long-term service planning; develop new service budgets and determine the impact upon existing budget allocations; anticipate the impact on new services.