Hospital in the home: what next?

To the Editor: British authors Wilson and Parker in their editorial on hospital in the home1 acknowledge the outdated Cochrane review of 20012 in relation to costs of hospital in the home. More recent research in New South Wales provides compelling evidence of cost saving in excess of 50% when community costs are compared with inpatient costs for certain diagnosis related groups.3,4 Patient selection for these services is based on safety, functional ability, carer support, and consent. The treatment regimens are based on evidence and governed by strict quality assurance. These elements form the foundations of successful acute and post-acute care programs.