The cost-effectiveness of rehabilitation in the home: a study of Swedish elderly.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether care of elderly and disabled patients could be more cost-effective after a short-term hospital stay, we examined the impact of a primary home care intervention program on functional status, use and costs of care after 6 months.


METHODS
When clinically ready for discharge from the hospital, chronically ill patients with dependence in one to five functions in personal activities of daily living were randomized to physician-led primary home care with a 24-hour service, and the controls were offered ordinary care. Physical, cognitive, social, and medical functions were assessed in 110 team subjects and 73 controls. Data regarding inpatient days and outpatient visits were collected and converted to costs.


RESULTS
Team patients demonstrated better instrumental activities of daily living and outdoor walking and significantly fewer diagnoses and drugs at 6 months. They used less inpatient and more outpatient care compared with the control patients. Significant cost reductions were found in the team group.


CONCLUSIONS
This primary home care intervention program is cost-effective, at least for a selection of patients at risk for long-term hospital care.
Melin
A L
AL
Department of Social Medicine, University of Umeå, Stockholm, Sweden.
Håkansson
S
S
Bygren
L O
LO
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000191:economics*; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D013548:Sweden