How great a burden does early discharge to hospital-at-home impose on carers? A randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
to assess the effects of an early discharge hospital-at-home scheme on self-reported carer strain and quality of life.


METHODS
a randomized controlled trial


METHODS
Bristol, UK.


METHODS
133 carers of patients receiving either early discharge from hospital to hospital-at-home (n = 93) care or usual hospital care and discharge (n = 40).


METHODS
modified 12-item Carer Strain Index, COOP-WONCA charts and EuroQol EQ-5D at 4 weeks and 3 months post-randomization.


RESULTS
the mean age of carers was 65 years; 56% were women. There were no marked differences between the groups in any of the outcomes used at either 4-week or 3-month follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
there was no evidence of increased self-reported burden imposed on carers of patients discharged early from hospital. Decisions on the implementation of hospital-at-home schemes should be influenced by considerations of cost and effectiveness rather than effects on carers. The effects on carers may, however, differ for other forms of home-based care.
Gunnell
D
D
Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol, UK. D.J.Gunnell@Bristol.ac.uk
Coast
J
J
Richards
S H
SH
Peters
T J
TJ
Pounsford
J C
JC
Darlow
M A
MA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018575:Home Care Services, Hospital-Based / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000592:standards*; D017064:Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors