Cost comparison of psychogeriatric consultations: outpatient versus home-based consultations.
In this article a cost-comparison study of psychogeriatric outpatient and home consultations (if all outpatients are seen at home) is reported. The cost of home visits was estimated to be less than that for outpatient consultations. The results are discussed in the context of methodological difficulties and the advantages and disadvantages of home and outpatient consultations. In view of the many advantages of home-based consultations, including lower costs, it is concluded that we should be developing and evaluating services with greater emphasis on home-based consultations.
Shah
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Academic Unit for Psychiatry of Old Age, University of Melbourne, Rossana, Victoria, Australia.
D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D005852:Geriatric Psychiatry / Q000191:economics*; D006792:House Calls / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000191:economics; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000191:economics*; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000191:economics; D014739:Victoria