An evaluation of early hospital discharge to home care services.

Of 3628 patients admitted to a program of early hospital discharge to home care services in 1977, only 116 required readmission to acute hospital or other facility. A further 13 died at home. Readmission to acute hospital or other facility was due to continuation of disease, complications, new disease, incorrect discharge planning or inability of the family to cope. Only one case could be attributed to insufficient nursing skill or insufficient equipment. The program is considered to be highly successful.