Effects of Home Visiting Programs for Older People
Author Information
Author(s): Bouman Ans, van Rossum Erik, Nelemans Patricia, Kempen Gertrudis IJM, Knipschild Paul
Primary Institution: Maastricht University
Hypothesis
Are intensive home visiting programs effective for older people with poor health or functional impairments?
Conclusion
Home visiting programs appear not to be beneficial for older people with poor health within the health care setting of Western countries.
Supporting Evidence
- Eight trials met the inclusion criteria for the review.
- Seven trials were of sufficient methodological quality.
- None of the trials showed a significant favorable effect on mortality, health status, service use, or cost.
Takeaway
The study found that visiting older people at home to help them with their health doesn't really work.
Methodology
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials assessing home visiting programs for older people with poor health.
Potential Biases
Potential publication bias as studies with negative results are less likely to be published.
Limitations
The review included only studies of sufficient methodological quality, and some trials had small sample sizes.
Participant Demographics
Older people aged 65 years and over with poor health status.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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