Personalized Home Visits Significantly Lower Hospital Admissions in Elderly Individuals with Frailty
A pioneering initiative aimed at assisting elderly individuals experiencing mild frailty shows promise in significantly reducing emergency hospital admissions by more than a third and potentially saving substantial costs to the National Health Service (NHS). This conclusion is drawn from a recent study led by researchers at University College London (UCL), findings of which were published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity. The research was financially supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
The clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a novel service that comprises six personalized home-based visits from a support worker, tailored to each participant’s specific needs to help them maintain their independence and well-being. These interventions could encompass various elements such as home exercise programs, nutritional support aimed at boosting energy levels, enhancing mental health and fostering social connections.
For the purposes of the study, 388 participants aged over 65 who were identified as having “mild frailty” took part across three different areas in the UK: London, Hertfordshire, and Yorkshire. Of these individuals, half (195) were randomly selected to receive the new service, while the remaining half continued with their usual care without additional support.
Frailty is defined as a state where an individual has reduced resilience after experiencing health issues. This condition becomes more prevalent among people over 65 years old and can lead to increased disability rates, higher hospitalization frequencies and greater caregiving demands. Over the course of one year, participants were monitored closely.
The study’s results revealed that those who received the new service experienced a remarkable reduction in unplanned hospital admissions by 35%, leading to an average saving of £586 per individual for the NHS over the duration of the research period. Lead author Professor Kate Walters from UCL Epidemiology & Health Care emphasized, “Our study demonstrates that personalized home-based support can substantially reduce emergency hospital visits and potentially free up resources in hospitals.
In addition to reducing hospital admissions, the researchers noted several other benefits associated with the service including minor enhancements in psychological well-being and frailty scores. However, it is worth mentioning that the new intervention did not lead to an increase in levels of self-care independence among participants.
The findings support government commitments made by Health Secretary Rishi Sunak to alleviate pressure on hospitals through greater emphasis on community care and preventive measures. Andrew Farmer, Director of the NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme, stated, “The HomeHealth intervention can help older adults with mild frailty stay independent while improving quality of life and overall well-being. It also has the potential to reduce hospital and care costs by addressing crucial aspects like physical strength, nutrition, and social engagement.”
With adequate funding and support, the researchers aspire for this service to be accessible nationwide within two years. Professor Walters concluded, “By focusing on preventive measures, health services could realize savings in other areas of the system as well.” The research was conducted in collaboration with Age UK, which also played a pivotal role in delivering the service during the trial phase.
