Hospital at Home in 10 years—Here, borrow my binoculars

Abstract

Hospital in the Home (HAH) refers to the delivery of acute hospital care to patients at home, or in their usual place of care, including nursing homes. HAH is an acute hospital substitution service—it delivers medical, nursing and allied health staff, skills, interventions and treatments, technologies and supervision usually found in hospitals to sick patients at home. The mission of HAH is to improve the lives of sick people who need hospitals. Patients consistently express a preference for the HAH model of care. HAH has developed an evidence base for safety and effectiveness over the last 30 years, but its role has become prominent since the COVID-19 pandemic. In most health systems where HAH is successful, it is organised and funded as an acute hospital inpatient service. Progress continues to broaden the clinical applications of HAH and narrow the operational definition and processes. It is likely that in 10 years, HAH will form an essential part of the scope of an acute hospital, taking its place alongside the Emergency Department and Intensive Care.