Hospitalization at home: a study of international models and adaptation to the portuguese context

Abstract

Hospitalization at Home (HaH) has proved to be an efficient and effective model of healthcare provision in several countries in the World. Portugal is starting the implementation of this model based on international best-practices. This paper describes themain features of this HaH service, their organizational, technological and economic enablers –with a sustainability perspective. It then presents their application in recognized role-model countries –the UK, Australia, and Spain. Finally, it outlines the current implementation plan being carried out by the Portuguese Public National Healthcare Service and aims to identify opportunities for improvements in such implementation.