Efficiency and cost of hospitalization at home

In this Cochrane review, researchers have determined the effectiveness and cost of managing patients at home, compared with hospital-based care. This publication represents the 4th update of the review. In all, data from 20 trials involving 3,100 patients were included in the analysis. Of these trials, 4 involved COPD patients, 2 involved stroke patients and 7 involved acutely ill, elderly patients. In elderly patients, hospitalization at home does not appear to modify mortality at 6 months' follow-up or the rate of hospitalization within 3 to 12 months' follow-up. On the other hand, it could reduce the probability of entering an EHPAD within 6 months.