BMJ  2004;329 (7 August), doi:10.1136/bmj.329.7461.0-e

Treating acute COPD at home is as good and cheaper

Hospital at home schemes are safe, effective, and cheaper than inpatient care in hospitals for treating many patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and free up hospital beds. A systematic review by Ram and colleagues (p 315) identified seven randomised controlled trials (with 754 patients) comparing hospital at home schemes with inpatient treatment. Mortality and hospital readmission were similar in the two groups of patients. Two studies that compared costs showed that hospital at home care was substantially cheaper than inpatient care.

Credit: SCOTT CAMAZINE/SPL

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Hospital at home for patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: systematic review of evidence

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