Newborn home visits

Abstract

A randomized controlled trial was conducted comparing home visits with office visits by physicians to families with newborns within the first two weeks of life. Results showed that physicians were significantly more satisfied and rated their relationship with the family significantly higher after home visits than after office visits. Fathers were present at 50 percent of the home visits compared with 26 percent of office visits (P less than .05). Mothers in the home visit group rated caring for their baby as significantly easier than the office visit group. There was no difference in infant immunization rate or number of well-child visits, although infants in the home visit group had significantly more visits to their own physician. The mean length of visit was 33 minutes (not including travel time) for home visits and 23 minutes for office visits. Physicians were better able to note home environment and family interactions during home visits. This study supports the view that home visits by physicians enhance the physician-family relationship.