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Can home visits help reduce hospital readmissions? Randomized controlled trial
Article first published online: 15 MAY 2008
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2008.04631.x
© 2008 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Additional Information
How to Cite
Wong, F. K. Y., Chow, S., Chung, L., Chang, K., Chan, T., Lee, W.-M. and Lee, R. (2008), Can home visits help reduce hospital readmissions? Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 62: 585–595. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2008.04631.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 15 MAY 2008
- Article first published online: 15 MAY 2008
- Accepted for publication 30 January 2008
- Abstract
- Article
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- Cited By
Keywords:
- community care;
- discharge planning;
- home visits;
- hospital readmission;
- nursing;
- randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Title. Can home visits help reduce hospital readmissions? Randomized controlled trial
Aim. This paper is a report of a study to determine whether home visits can reduce hospital readmissions.
Background. The phenomenon of hospital readmission raises concerns about the quality of care and appropriate use of resources. Home visits after hospital discharge have been introduced to help reduce hospital readmission rates, but the results have not been conclusive.
Method. A randomized controlled trial was carried out from 2003 to 2005 . The control group (n = 166) received routine care and the study group (n = 166) received home visits from community nurses within 30 days of hospital discharge. Data were collected at baseline before discharge and 30 days after discharge.
Findings. Patients in the study group were statistically significantly more satisfied with their care. There were no statistically significant differences in other outcomes, including readmission rate, ADL score, self-perceived life satisfaction and self-perceived health. Regression analysis revealed that self-perceived life satisfaction, self-perceived health and disease category other than general symptoms were three statistically significant variables predicting hospital readmissions.
Conclusion. Preventive home visits were not effective in reducing hospital readmissions, but satisfaction with care was enhanced. Subjective well-being is a key variable that warrants attention in the planning and evaluation of postdischarge home care.