Abstract:

A randomised controlled trial to investigate whether care of elderly and disabled patients could be more cost-effective after a short-term hospital stay. The authors examined a primary home care intervention program on functional status, use and the costs of care after 6 months. 110 patients were randomized to physician-led primary home care with a 24 hour service and 73 controls were offered ordinary care. Physical, cognitive, social and medical functions were assessed. Data on inpatient days and outpatient visits were converted to cost. Significant cost reductions were found in the randomized sample.