Home Infusion Therapy and Reducing Hospital Readmissions

Reducing hospital readmissions has become a critical aim in healthcare, not only to cut costs but to improve patient recovery and minimize the risks that come with prolonged hospital stays. Home infusion therapy—where specialized treatments are administered directly in the patient’s home—has gained prominence as a key approach to accomplishing these goals. By providing necessary care outside the hospital, home infusion can address the ongoing needs of patients with chronic conditions or post-surgical recovery, potentially reducing complications and lessening the chance of a return to the hospital.

How Home Infusion Impacts Hospital Readmission Rates

The transition to home infusion has shown promise in reducing readmission rates for various conditions. For example, infections like osteomyelitis, which often require extended courses of intravenous antibiotics, are well-suited for home-based care. Research found that patients who transitioned to home infusion therapy for long-term treatments saw a 26% lower rate of readmission compared to those who remained in the hospital [1]. For patients with chronic conditions or immune deficiencies, the shift to home-based treatment helps prevent the complications that can arise with longer hospital stays, such as exposure to resistant bacteria or increased risk of reinfection.

This strategy also benefits patients with heart failure, pneumonia, or post-surgical recovery needs. Reports indicate that hospital readmissions often decrease when patients receive ongoing care in their homes, especially if proper monitoring is in place [2]. Not only does this lessen the physical toll on patients, but it also eases the load on healthcare facilities, allowing them to allocate resources to more critical cases.

Ensuring Safe Transitions with Medication Reconciliation

When patients transition to home care, medication reconciliation is essential for avoiding drug interactions or mistakes that might lead to readmission. Discharge often comes with new prescriptions, which can sometimes clash with medications patients are already taking.

A systematic review found that pharmacist-managed medication reconciliation significantly reduced medication errors and readmission rates, especially for patients with complex health needs [3]. For patients receiving home infusion therapy, pharmacists help manage potential risks by reviewing each patient’s medication plan, educating them on proper dosing, and maintaining consistent follow-up. This monitoring ensures that drugs are taken as prescribed and that potential interactions are spotted early, preventing complications that could require additional hospital care.

Adherence and Patient Engagement

Adherence to treatment plans improves when patients receive therapy in the comfort of their homes, where they often feel less anxious than in clinical settings. Studies suggest that home healthcare interventions improve medication adherence by approximately 12% in vulnerable populations [4]. This is particularly crucial for conditions that require strict adherence, like bacterial infections, where completing a full course of antibiotics is essential for preventing recurrence or drug resistance.

Home health providers who oversee infusion therapy typically engage patients with detailed education and support, helping them understand how to manage their medication routines. This guidance empowers patients to take an active role in their care, an approach that has been linked to better treatment adherence and outcomes.

Financial Implications for Patients and Healthcare Systems

Home infusion offers financial advantages for both patients and healthcare systems. Hospital stays come with steep costs, from bed occupancy fees to procedures and other associated expenses. Shifting to home infusion can make a real difference by reducing these costs. Studies show that home infusion can save between $1,928 and $2,974 per treatment course compared to in-hospital infusions [5].

For patients, home infusion means fewer trips to the hospital and lower out-of-pocket costs. This is especially helpful for people with chronic conditions, where frequent hospital stays can add up fast. By reducing these visits, home infusion eases the financial burden while still providing the same high level of care.

Reducing the Risk of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs)

Hospital stays inherently expose patients to a higher risk of contracting infections, particularly those already immunocompromised or managing chronic illnesses. By receiving treatment at home, these patients can avoid potential exposure to pathogens, reducing the risk of infections that often lead to additional complications. A report by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services emphasized that patients treated in home settings have notably lower rates of HAIs compared to their hospitalized counterparts, a factor that becomes even more significant for those undergoing long-term therapy [6].

Reducing HAIs is not only a matter of improving patient outcomes; it also translates to fewer hospital readmissions and lower overall healthcare costs. The impact is substantial for both patients and healthcare providers, highlighting the importance of offering infusion therapy at home where possible.

The Future of Home Infusion Therapy in Value-Based Care

The move toward value-based care is driving the demand for effective, patient-focused options like home infusion. As healthcare systems work to improve outcomes while keeping costs manageable, home-based treatments are set to become more prominent. With more research backing its benefits, home infusion is likely to play an increasingly important role in managing chronic conditions and supporting recovery after surgery.

Studies show that home infusion helps improve patient outcomes, reduces readmissions, and cuts costs—all key goals of value-based care. Adopting this approach can transform how we deliver care, easing the load on healthcare resources while putting patients’ comfort and independence front and center.

References

1. Arsenault-Lapierre G, Henein M, Gaid D, Le Berre M, Gore G, Vedel I. Hospital-at-Home Interventions vs In-Hospital Stay for Patients With Chronic Disease Who Present to the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2021 Jun 1;4(6):e2111568. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.11568. PMID: 34100939; PMCID: PMC8188269. Link
2. Kanagala SG, Gupta V, Kumawat S, Anamika F, McGillen B, Jain R. Hospital at home: emergence of a high-value model of care delivery. Egypt J Intern Med. 2023;35(1):21. doi: 10.1186/s43162-023-00206-3. Epub 2023 Mar 17. PMID: 36969500; PMCID: PMC10023005. Link
3. Mekonnen, A. B., & McLachlan, A. J., et al. (2016). Pharmacy-led medication reconciliation programmes at hospital transitions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 41(2), 128-144. Link
4. Meredith S, Feldman P, Frey D, Giammarco L, Hall K, Arnold K, Brown NJ, Ray WA. Improving medication use in newly admitted home healthcare patients: a randomized controlled trial. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2002 Sep;50(9):1484-91. doi: 10.1046/j.1532-5415.2002.50402.x. PMID: 12383144. Link
5. Polinski JM, Kowal MK, Gagnon M, Brennan TA, Shrank WH. Home infusion: Safe, clinically effective, patient preferred, and cost saving. Healthc (Amst). 2017 Mar;5(1-2):68-80. doi: 10.1016/j.hjdsi.2016.04.004. Epub 2016 Apr 29. PMID: 28668202. Link
6. United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024, September). Report on the study of the acute hospital care at home initiative: A report required by Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. Link