Author: Trappes-Lomax T, Ellis A, Fox M, Taylor R, Power M, Stead J and Bainbridge I
Journal: Health and Social Care in the Community, 2006
Volume/pages: Vol 14(1), pp49-62

About the study
In this controlled trial the authors measured the effectiveness of a joint NHS and Social Services rehabilitation unit in England. Older people who were discharged from a community hospital, aged over 55 and considered likely to benefit, spent 6 weeks in the unit where they worked with care or rehabilitation assistants and occupational therapists to regain their independence. The control group were from a matched geographical area without a rehabilitation unit and received standard community services.

Findings
94 people received the intervention and 112 were in the control group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of: whether they were still at home at 6 and 12 months follow-up; time to hospital re-admission; quality of life; or coping ability. Patients in the control group had significantly longer hospital stays (35 compared to 27 days).

Key messages

• Short-term residential rehabilitation has similar outcomes to usual care for older people following discharge from hospital
• A stay in a rehabilitation unit does not necessarily reduce a person’s longer term likelihood of being admitted to a care home or nursing home, or being re-admitted to hospital
• This model of intermediate care can significantly shorten hospital stays