Too many pre-discharge home assessment visits for older patients? A postal questionnaire survey.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate current practice of pre-discharge home assessment visits for older patients.


METHODS
Postal questionnaire survey.


METHODS
NHS Trust hospitals in the United Kingdom.


METHODS
Occupational therapy departments in 265 NHS Trust hospitals which admit acutely ill older patients.


METHODS
The number of pre-discharge home visits done, who went, and therapy time spent on home visits.


RESULTS
Of 265 NHS Trusts contacted, 239 (90%) replied. Of 238 units, 155 (65%) do between 11 and 40 visits per month, with 25 (11%) doing more than 60. The equivalent of one day per week or more is spent doing home visits by Senior I occupational therapists in 107 (45%) units and by Senior II staff in 126 (53%) units. Carers or relatives, unqualified occupational therapists, social workers and home care managers accompany the patient and occupational therapist on most home visits.


CONCLUSIONS
Therapy perception is that pre-discharge home assessment visits are increasing in number, complexity and involvement of professional time despite little evidence for their effectiveness. Controlled trials are required to assess which patients are likely to benefit.
Patterson
C J
CJ
St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK. chris.patterson@bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk
Viner
J
J
Saville
C
C
Mulley
G P
GP
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006300:Health Services Misuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006801:Humans; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom