A new rapid review of latest Australian and international research suggests in-home care models effectively contribute to reduced emergency department visits, hospitalisations and hospital length of stay for older people.
The Bolton Clarke Research Institute presented early findings at the Australian Association of Gerontology National Conference in Alice Springs.
Researcher Elizabeth Robinson said with increasing demand for in-home care that not only optimises health and wellbeing outcomes but manages demand on the health system, the rapid review compared 37 research papers covering eight in-home care models across Australia and New Zealand, Canada and North America, Asia and Europe.
It found in-home community nursing and allied health services (like Support at Home), short-term nursing interventions including care planning and education, home-based primary care delivered by a GP or equivalent practitioner, hospital in the home, integrated care and transitional care were predominantly associated with decreases in emergency department visits, hospitalisations and hospital length of stay.
Ms Robinson said limitations of the study included disparity among in-home aged care models and methods of evaluation.
“However, results do trend toward positive impacts of in-home care models including decreasing emergency department visits, hospitalisations and hospital length of stay,” she said.
“The results were also influenced by patient acuity, and the issue of acuity and complexity of care needs further exploration.
“As we navigate changes to home care with the implementation of Support at Home, measuring and monitoring outcomes will be critical to ensure effectiveness of different care models, particularly for clients with greater complexity.”
About Bolton Clarke
Bolton Clarke is Australia’s largest independent, not-for-profit aged care provider shaping the future of positive ageing. With RSL Queensland and the Royal District Nursing Service at the heart of our DNA, we are celebrating 140 years of caring for Australians. Today, our exceptional teams support more than 130,000 people to live independently at home and across our 43 retirement living communities and 88 residential aged care homes. Find out more at www.boltonclarke.com.au.
