Home care as an option in worsening chronic heart failure -- a pilot study to evaluate feasibility, quality adjusted life years and cost-effectiveness

Abstract

Background: Worsening chronic heart failure (CHF) is largely characterized by frequent hospital admissions and the need for specialist care.

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility of home care (HC) versus conventional care (CC) in relation to health-related quality of life (HRQL) and cost-utility in patients with worsening CHF.

Methods: Thirty-one patients seeking medical attention at hospital for worsening CHF were randomised to HC or CC. Following discharge within 48 hours from the hospital, patients in the HC group were followed-up in their homes by a specialist nurse. Follow-ups were conducted for both groups, 1, 4, 8 and 12 months after inclusion in the study.

Results: There was no significant difference in clinical events, adverse events or in HRQL. The total cost related to CHF was lower in the HC group after 12 months (p=0.05).

Conclusion: Reduction in cost of care for selected patients with CHF eligible for hospital care might be achieved by early discharge from hospital followed by home visits. Due to the small number of patients, these results must be interpreted with caution.