What are the advantages of Hospital@Home?
Knowledge database Human Patient-centred approach B.3: Hospital @ Home - smooth transition of patients from hospital to home through the use of telemedicine and technologyIn Hospital@Home, patients receive medical care in their own homes. What are the advantages of this new form of treatment, and who primarily benefits from it?
Problem description, research question and relevance
Patients often experience hospital stays as uncomfortable and feel restricted in their freedom. Mealtimes are regulated, and medical rounds are carried out according to a strict schedule. Sharing rooms with other patients can be perceived as unpleasant, leading patients to prefer staying within their family environment. Moreover, after being discharged from hospital, uncertainties may arise at home regarding new symptoms, medication, or unclear follow-up care.
Various Hospital@Home approaches provide solutions here, enabling patients and their caregivers to access medical support directly from home – a place where they feel comfortable¹ ².
This reflects the concept of the hospital of the future, which aims to dissolve the boundaries of the hospital and make healthcare more broadly accessible. The different models of Hospital@Home are described in detail in a separate contribution by B3: Hospital@Home.
Results and findings
In Switzerland, Hospital@Home models are increasingly being recognised as a viable alternative to inpatient treatment³ and can provide benefits for a variety of stakeholders, including patients, relatives, medical teams, and hospitals:
Patients and relatives
As a decentralised model, Hospital@Home places patients’ needs at the centre. Numerous studies demonstrate a resulting increase in patient satisfaction⁴. Older people benefit in particular, as treatment at home enhances their quality of life. The comfort of their own bed improves sleep quality. In addition, mobility at home is promoted, which has a positive effect on recovery, personal autonomy, and mental health⁵.
In a Hospital@Home setting, relatives can be more closely involved while also being relieved and supported. Intensive medical monitoring during the transition from hospital to home increases safety, as questions can be addressed at any time and critical situations can be detected early. The risk of delirium and hospital-acquired infections is reduced, and complications are minimised⁶ ⁷. Studies show that treatment in a home environment can lower rehospitalisation rates⁴. Furthermore, regular physician calls to monitor health status and medication adherence can improve compliance and prevent premature discontinuation of treatment² ⁸.
Hospitals and the healthcare system
Hospitals benefit from potentially lower rehospitalisation rates, which allows more efficient use of hospital infrastructure, and can discharge certain patients with greater confidence due to the offer of intensive follow-up care. In addition, supporting outpatient treatment can enhance the quality of healthcare delivery. Structural challenges such as demographic change, staff shortages, and cost pressures can be addressed through Hospital@Home models and digital innovations⁹ ⁷ ³.
Medical care teams
More attractive working conditions in a flexible work environment and a varied daily routine can increase staff satisfaction. Communication is generally fostered by the model and tends to be more pleasant and less stressful with patients in their home environment⁴ ¹.
Summary
In summary, the Hospital@Home model offers forward-looking solutions to healthcare challenges, increases the efficiency and quality of care, and puts patient-centred treatment at the forefront. Certain aspects, such as stakeholder satisfaction, are being examined in the SHIFT Hospital@Home pilot study, which is described in a separate contribution.
Literature and other sources
(1) Hehli, Simon; Hudec, Jan. Keine Nervigen Bettnachbarn Und Den Eigenen Kühlschrank in Griffweite: Das Spital Der Zukunft Könnte Das Zuhause Sein. NZZ. May 24, 2024. www.nzz.ch/zuerich/hospital-at-home-die-medizin-der-zukunft-ld.1831657.
(2) Hospital@Home: Spitalpflege einmal anders – nämlich zu Hause. Universimed. www.universimed.com/ch/article/allgemeine-innere-medizin/hospital-home-spitalpflege-377177 (accessed 2025-03-13).
(3) Hospital at Home – A model with a future | Deloitte Switzerland. www.deloitte.com/ch/en/Industries/government-public/perspectives/hospital-at-home.html (accessed 2025-03-13).
(4) Leong, M. Q.; Lim, C. W.; Lai, Y. F. Comparison of Hospital-at-Home Models: A Systematic Review of Reviews. BMJ Open2021, 11 (1), e043285. doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043285.
(5) Ouchi, K.; Liu, S.; Tonellato, D.; Keschner, Y. G.; Kennedy, M.; Levine, D. M. Home Hospital as a Disposition for Older Adults from the Emergency Department: Benefits and Opportunities. J. Am. Coll. Emerg. Physicians Open2021, 2 (4), e12517. doi.org/10.1002/emp2.12517.
(6) Medien | Spital Zollikerberg. spitalzollikerberg.ch/de/medien (accessed 2025-03-13).
(7) Hospital at Home: Die Zukunft der Gesundheitsversorgung zu Hause. hospitales.ch/ueber-hospital-at-home, hospitales.ch/ueber-hospital-at-home (accessed 2025-03-13).
(8) Greenwald, J. L.; Jack, B. W. Preventing the Preventable. Prof. Case Manag.2009, 14 (3), 135–142. doi.org/10.1097/NCM.0b013e318198d4e1.
(9) Cryer, L.; Shannon, S. B.; Van Amsterdam, M.; Leff, B. Costs for “hospital at Home” Patients Were 19 Percent Lower, with Equal or Better Outcomes Compared to Similar Inpatients. Health Aff. Proj. Hope2012, 31 (6), 1237–1243. doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2011.1132.