Home health care: a comparative analysis of hospital-based and community-based agency patients

This study analyzed the patient-type and service-mix of hospital-based and community-based home care agencies. The results of this analysis revealed that hospital-based agency patients were different than community-based agency patients, in terms of the above mentioned variables; and that these differences were statistically significant. Specifically, hospital-based agency patients were older, were more limited in their functional ability, received a higher intensity of care, and utilized a greater proportion of therapeutic services. Furthermore, a higher percentage of hospital-based agency patients were in an acute care facility prior to home care; had cancer and circulatory disorders as their primary diagnosis; and had Medicare as their primary source of payment. This study concludes with recommendations with respect to future planning and administration of home care services.