Can in-home hospital care be implemented in Ontario? Implications for public policy.

Two models of in-home hospital care were considered as ways to overcome the current problems plaguing the Home Care Program in Ontario. The hospital-organized home care is an extension of some hospital services into the community, similar to the Verdun Hospital-In-The-Home. The extramural hospital, introduced in New Brunswick, emphasizes the integration of services. These two models were compared to the Ontario Home Care Program to consider feasibility. Clearly defined mandates and the division of services need to be established in addition to an evaluation of cost, the use of services and the impact on health status.