The Future of Home Health Care: A Strategic Framework for Optimizing Value

Home Health Care Manag Pract. 2016 Nov;28(4):262-278. doi: 10.1177/1084822316666368. Epub 2016 Oct 5.

Abstract

The Future of Home Health project sought to support transformation of home health and home-based care to meet the needs of patients in the evolving U.S. health care system. Interviews with key thought leaders and stakeholders resulted in key themes about the future of home health care. By synthesizing this qualitative research, a literature review, case studies, and the themes from a 2014 Institute of Medicine and National Research Council workshop on "The Future of Home Health Care," the authors articulate a vision for home-based care and recommend a bold framework for the Medicare-certified home health agency of the future. The authors also identify challenges and recommendations for achievement of this framework.

Keywords: home health; home-based care; hospice; hospital at home; palliative care; quality; technology; workforce.