New research from SPRU provides evidence about delivering care closer to home (CCTH) for ill children. It looks at: the range and extent of current provision; the implications of CCTH for those who plan, deliver and use such services; and the cost effectiveness of CCTH.
We undertook a national survey of CCTH services and five case studies across four PCTs, as well as completing a systematic review of evidence for paediatric home care and a descriptive review of UK models of CCTH. From this research important factors were found for the development of CCTH services, including:
• effective working relationships between commissioners and providers
• a robust evidence base of costs, caseload and contacts to facilitate service development
• sufficient and holistic support for families needs to be an integral aspect of CCTH services, especially where parents take on the responsibility for nursing tasks
• support structures should be in place for isolated working practices.
Read the full report, systematic review or summary via the link.