We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
The effect of home visits on healthcare resource utilisation.
- Authors
Tai-Yin Wu; Sheng-Huang Hsiao; Sheng-Jean Huang; Kuan-Liang Kuo; Lin-Chung Woung; Fang-Chun Chen
- Abstract
Background and objective Home visits may change patients' healthcare resource utilisation, including hospital admission, medications, outpatient and emergency room visits. The aim of the present study was to report changes in healthcare resource utilisation after the provision of home healthcare services. Methods This was a multicentre follow-up study. Data on health and functional statuses were collected during home visits. Electronic medical records of 12 medical institutions were retrieved (outpatient visits, emergency care use, hospital admissions and prescription medications). The researchers analysed healthcare utilisation and medications before and after enrolment. Results There were 246 participants. The mean age was 85.5 years (52% men). There was an increase in annual outpatient visits and a decrease in hospital admission days after enrolment (13.7-15.3 visits/year and 17.5-15 days/year, respectively). The number of medical institutions visited increased, but specialties and doctors visited decreased. Oral medications also increased (3.3-4.3 types). Discussion Home visits help decrease days of hospital admission, but not medications or outpatient or emergency room visits.
- Subjects
HOME care services; HOSPITAL admission &; discharge; OUTPATIENT medical care; FOLLOW-up studies (Medicine); ELECTRONIC health records; EMERGENCY medical services
- Publication
Australian Journal of General Practice, 2021, Vol 50, Issue 8, p595
- ISSN
2208-794X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.31128/ajgp-07-20-5512