Australia’s “Hospital in the Home” (HITH): A Mature Approach to Home-Based Care

Australia has a relatively long history with “Hospital in the Home” (HITH) services, with programs having been established in various forms for several decades. This makes Australia a valuable case study for the evolution and sustained success of home-based acute care.

HITH in Australia aims to provide hospital-equivalent care that meets national safety and quality standards, effectively substituting for inpatient admission for suitable patients. The model has evolved to manage a diverse range of clinical conditions, from infections requiring intravenous antibiotics to post-surgical recovery and acute exacerbations of chronic diseases.

The Australian experience highlights the importance of strong clinical governance, clear patient selection criteria, and robust interdisciplinary team collaboration. HITH services are often integrated within public hospital systems, allowing for seamless transitions of care and access to the necessary specialist support when needed. The emphasis is not just on clinical outcomes but also on the patient-centered benefits, such as increased comfort, faster recovery in a familiar environment, and reduced exposure to hospital-acquired risks. The success of HITH in Australia, particularly in alleviating pressure on hospital beds, offers valuable lessons for healthcare systems worldwide.

Key Learnings from Australia’s HITH:

• Long-Standing Programs: Demonstrates the sustainability and evolution of HaH models over time.
• National Safety & Quality Standards: Ensures high-quality care delivery in the home.
• Diverse Clinical Conditions: HITH manages a wide range of acute illnesses.
• Integrated with Public Hospital Systems: Facilitates seamless care coordination.

Related Literature & Sources:

• British Journal of Nursing – Hospital in the Home service: an innovative model for managing patients outside of acute care beds: This article provides insights into the Australian HITH model. https://www.britishjournalofnursing.com/content/professional/hospital-in-the-home-service-an-innovative-model-for-managing-patients-outside-of-acute-care-beds
• Oxford Academic – Patients’ and Carers’ Satisfaction with Hospital-in-the-Home Care: Research on patient and caregiver satisfaction with Australian HITH programs. https://academic.oup.com/intqhc/article/8/3/243/1845169?kuid=317a32d0-118a-497f-9ab0-df56eaf7fd8b-1739232000&kref=KPvnuaLpVIXc