[Hallway patients in hospital departments of internal medicine in 1998 and 1999].
BACKGROUND: Patient beds in corridors because of limited room capacity is a well-known phenomenon in many Norwegian hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Questionnaires were sent to all departments of internal medicine in Norway (n = 62) in 1998 and in 1999. RESULTS: Nearly 50 of 60 departments had to use patient beds in corridors regularly. There was no change in the number of such beds from 1998 to 1999. INTERPRETATION: The use of patient beds in corridors of departments of internal medicine in Norwegian hospitals in extensive.