Patient knowledge and understanding of home health services criteria

Context: This study was conducted to gain a better understanding of patients’ understanding of homebound criteria and house call eligibility. OBJECTIVE: To date, little empirical data exists assessing patient knowledge of home health care services. This study is designed to examine patients’ understanding of home health care services, eligibility criteria, costs, and interest in house calls. METHODS: This study used an anonymous survey developed by the researchers and provided to patients in four separate office locations at a large academic Family Medicine practice. Questions about homebound criteria, eligibility, out of pocket cost, and patient interest were asked. RESULTS: In total 393 surveys were collected. Approximately 47 percent of all respondents in the survey showed interest in having a home care visit by a healthcare professional, while only 59.6 percent were able to accurately identify the definition of homebound status. Approximately 60 percent of all respondents believe that they will have to pay more out of pocket for home visits, and the subgroup of respondents who have an interest in home visits showed that 63.4 percent of that group think that they will have to pay more out of pocket for such visits. CONCLUSION: These data have the potential to inform medical providers of a lack of understanding among patients regarding homebound criteria and home health care in general. While further studies could examine more specific details of this potential knowledge gap, the information provided by this study could prompt providers to begin educating patients on the possibility of home care.