A comparison of a hospital-based and two home-based rehabilitation programmes

Purpose. This paper compares the service models of three different types of rehabilitation programmes provided in Victoria, Australia: One hospital-based and two types of rehabilitation in the home (RITH). Method. Nine focus group interviews were conducted with multidisciplinary staff working in rehabilitation teams in one hospital-based and eight RITH programmes. Additional data were collected for 164 clients and 75 carers from eight of these programmes at admission, discharge and three months post discharge. Interviews were conducted with 32 clients and 14 carers. Results. The criteria for admission and model of rehabilitation adopted in the three programmes were similar. There were differences in programme aims, characteristics of the clients admitted and the type and level of therapy clients received, both between hospital and home-based programmes and between the three programmes. In general, staff and clients saw the home as providing a relevant context that enabled individualized, goal directed therapy for medically stable rehabilitation clients. The hospital offered an opportunity to socialize with others and specialized equipment. Conclusions. Results of this study suggest clients and carers require a mix of hospital and home-based rehabilitation that is able to respond to their needs and preferences at each phase of the rehabilitation continuum.