Journal of health services research & policy
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J Health Serv Res Policy · Jul 2001
ReviewAssessing the value of hospital-in-the-home: lessons from Australia.
To identify factors that influence the cost-effectiveness of hospital-in-the-home (HITH) and to discuss the impact of funding arrangements in creating incentives or disincentives for the establishment of HITH services. ⋯ Evaluations are essential to inform decisions about whether HITH is likely to be a viable and cost-effective alternative to inpatient care. However, the relative costs of HITH and conventional care will depend on local factors. From the point of view of the decision-maker, these will be affected by funding and organisational arrangements. Funders must be aware that complex financial incentives may mask the true costs of HITH services relative to hospital services. They need to ensure that the incentives created by funding arrangements are transparent.