Term: Intensity of Resource Use (IRU)

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2007-09-26

Definition:

An indicator of the differential utilization of hospital resources, this refers to the degree to which hospitals use labor and materials. There are 2 methods to measure IRU. Method 1 is based on DRG weights and categorizes hospital intensity of resource use into 3 levels: low intensity (lowest 10% of cases), high intensity (highest 5% of cases), and intermediate intensity (the remaining 85%). Method 2 is based on Relative Case Weights (RCWs) which reflect the expected resource use of hospital patients. These weights are applied to typical medical patients.

Related terms 

• Access to Hospital Services
• Atypical Patient
• Diagnosis Related Group (DRG™)
• Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG™) Weights
• Indicators of Differential Utilization
• Relative Case Weights (RCW)
• Typical Patient
• Utilization of Hospital Resources

References 

• Black C, Roos NP, Burchill CA. Utilization of Hospital Resources. Volume I: Key Findings. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Evaluation, 1993. [Report] (View)
• Black C, Roos NP, Burchill CA. Utilization of Hospital Resources. Volume II: Methods and Tables. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Evaluation, 1993. [Report] (View)
• Brownell M, Roos NP. Monitoring the Winnipeg Hospital System: The Update Report 1993/1994. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Evaluation, 1996. [Report] [Summary] (View)
• Frohlich N, Markesteyn T, Roos NP, Carriere KC, Black C, De Coster C, Burchill CA, MacWilliam L. A Report on the Health Status, Socio-Economic Risk and Health Care Use of the Manitoba Population, 1992-93 and Overview of the 1990-91 to 1992-93 Findings. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Evaluation, 1994. [Report] [Summary] (View)
• Roos NP, Shapiro E. Monitoring the Winnipeg Hospital System: The First Report. 1990-1992 . Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Evaluation, 1994. [Report] [Summary] (View)