Hospital at Home: A New Model of Home Care in Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Home Care (HC) is directly responsible for reducing the demand for hospital beds in Brazil. Brazilian Home Hospitalization model in the private sector was built on continuous nursing care for the last 30-years without further review. Objectives: Find if Brazilian Home Hospitalization model aligns with the different HC models in effect around the world, evaluate its limitations and challenges and propose a new cost-effective model of domiciliary care in Brazil called Hospital at Home (HaH). Method: Review of articles published in databases, conference proceedings, clinical practice guidelines, and government regulations between 2006-2022. 920 patients receiving care in the Home Hospitalization modality by a private HC company in Brazil were analyzed in November 2022. Results: European and North American HC models are not built on continuous nursing care. 920 patients receiving care in the Home Hospitalization modality by a private HC company in Brazil had their eligibility assessed in November 2022 to be included in the new HaH model, proposed with 10 evidence-based pillars where a multidisciplinary team is aided by a care partner engagement approach and a clinical management strategy based on data analysis supported by digital health resources. Conclusions: We believe the HaH model will reshape home hospitalization in Brazil, set up the groundwork for value-based Home Care and contribute to the sustainability of Brazilian HC.