Medical services utilization patterns bs seniors

The goal of this literature review is to identify key issues in the pattern s of medical care utilization of services for seniors as a contribution to the National Consensus process on designing and delivering health care refo rms which foster seniors' independence (Shapiro & Havens, 2000). A search s trategy used to identify the relevant literature since 1985 focussing mainl y on peer-reviewed journal articles is described and the results of the sea rch strategy are summarized. Key articles are identified, analysed and synt hesized based on Canadian and American evidence covering patterns of instit utional care, physician use, ambulatory care and the determinants of utiliz ation of these services.