The effectiveness of predischarge home assessment visits: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of predischarge home assessment visits for elderly patients.


METHODS
Systematic review.


METHODS
A computer-aided search was conducted using the databases of Medline and Cinahl. Any studies investigating predischarge home assessment visits were included in the analysis.


RESULTS
No randomized controlled trials were found. Only five studies (two retrospective surveys, three observational surveys) were identified. In four of these, a possible benefit for home visiting was suggested.


CONCLUSIONS
Little evidence exists for the effectiveness of predischarge home assessment visits. Further research is needed to establish their value.
Patterson
C J
CJ
Elderly Medicine Directorate, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK.
Mulley
G P
GP
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D006792:House Calls; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010351:Patient Discharge; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities