Valuation of Homecare Services for Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Leung Eman, Guan Jingjing, Chu Amanda M. Y., Ching Sam C. C., Liu Yilin, Chen Frank Youhua
Primary Institution: City University of Hong Kong
Hypothesis
Which homecare service mix is most cost-effective for older adults under a joint medical-social budgetary perspective?
Conclusion
Instrumental homecare can increase hospitalization-free days among community-dwelling older adults and yield significant net system-wide cost savings.
Supporting Evidence
- Instrumental homecare yielded the greatest cost savings compared to other services.
- Every HK$1 invested in instrumental homecare can save HK$34.53 in medical costs.
- Homecare services can enhance older individuals’ quality of life and reduce hospitalizations.
Takeaway
This study found that providing certain types of homecare can help older people stay out of the hospital longer and save money for the healthcare system.
Methodology
Generalized cost-effectiveness analysis (GCEA) framework with proportional hazard-adjusted metrics.
Potential Biases
The study may have selection biases despite efforts to mitigate them.
Limitations
Potential selection biases and the statistical insignificance of some coefficients in the economic evaluation.
Participant Demographics
55% female, over 70% aged 80 or above.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<2e−16
Statistical Significance
p<2e−16
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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