Effectiveness and costs of transitional care models in home care: integrative review

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the effectiveness and costs of transitional care models in home care of patients with acute and chronic conditions compared with other modalities. Method: integrative review of a sample of 18 articles among the 278 searched in seven databases. Results: among 15 transitional care models, the following stood out: rehabilitation; parenteral therapies; chronic disease follow-up; postoperative care; and home hospitalization. They were effective in treating acute or chronic conditions; simplifying access to hospital; preventing readmissions; reducing length of stay; increasing adherence to outpatient rehabilitation, reducing mortality, and improving emotional status/caregiver burden. The main cost component was per diem rates. In nine studies, the models meant decreases in overall hospitalization costs. Conclusion: transitional care in home care enables effective and cost-efficient continuity of care for providers and health systems.