C Ferrier1, P Lysy. 1. Department of Family Medicine at McGill University, Montreal, Que. catherine.ferrier@muhc.mcgill.ca
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the scope of home care and to give practical advice for incorporating home visits into family practice. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE: Most of the literature is based on expert opinion, but there are some randomized trials and well done surveys. MAIN MESSAGE: Although physicians make fewer housecalls than they used to, home visiting is essential to providing good care to certain patients. An approach to evaluating patients and their home environments is presented. Management plans should be formulated in collaboration with home care teams. We offer practical advice for incorporating home visits into practice. CONCLUSION: Home visits can be a valuable and rewarding complement to family practice and are essential for the development of home care.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the scope of home care and to give practical advice for incorporating home visits into family practice. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE: Most of the literature is based on expert opinion, but there are some randomized trials and well done surveys. MAIN MESSAGE: Although physicians make fewer housecalls than they used to, home visiting is essential to providing good care to certain patients. An approach to evaluating patients and their home environments is presented. Management plans should be formulated in collaboration with home care teams. We offer practical advice for incorporating home visits into practice. CONCLUSION: Home visits can be a valuable and rewarding complement to family practice and are essential for the development of home care.