Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of predischarge home assessment visits for elderly patients.
Design: Systematic review.
Methods: A computer-aided search was conducted using the databases of Medline and Cinahl. Any studies investigating predischarge home assessment visits were included in the analysis.
Results: No randomized controlled trials were found. Only five studies (two retrospective surveys, three observational surveys) were identified. In four of these, a possible benefit for home visiting was suggested.
Conclusions: Little evidence exists for the effectiveness of predischarge home assessment visits. Further research is needed to establish their value.
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