Home treatment and reimbursement in The Netherlands.
In The Netherlands home care is one of the most rapidly growing fields in health. It is thought to provide a cheaper alternative to hospitalization and improved quality of life for the patient. However, there is evidence that home care may result in better care but does not reduce the burden on hospital services. Studies have shown that outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) is more cost-effective, resulting in an improved quality of life. The new home-treatment technology requires careful evaluation, under set guidelines, to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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Medical Department of the Dutch Health Insurance Council, P.O. Box 396, 1196 BD, Amstelveen, Netherlands.