Home Care NetWork
Home Care Literature Reviews 2004
Home Medical Equipment:
Hoisington ER, Miller DA, Adams CA, McCarthy K, Stoller JK. Impact of a program to provide patients with comparative information about providers of durable medical equipment for home respiratory care. Respir Care. 2004;49:1309-15.
This case series used a follow-up telephone survey to evaluate the impact and acceptability of a patient education program informing patients of their options for respiratory medical equipment for 75 in-patients prior to discharge. Patient satisfaction was generally good and while there were no statistically significant differences before and after the case series in any of the parameters measured there was a trend towards more rapid delivery of the medical equipment and more rapid visits by respiratory therapist following institution of the program. This study was not statistically significant and represented a small series; however, it helps focus attention on an important problem. Patient education regarding home medical equipment providers will hopefully reduce the risk of abuse and fraud in this industry. A larger study along similar lines should be done.
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