Preventive home visits-a concept for the future? A scoping review of the innovative care model of preventive home visits

摘要

Background Preventive home visits (PHVs) have been implemented internationally. Due to demographic changes and lack of health care personnel new solutions like PHVs are necessary. The aim is to enable older people to realize their preferred wish to live in their home as long as possible. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted to present an overview of the literature of PHV. The focus of the literature analysis was within international reviews on effects and within national studies on concepts of PHVs. Nine international and one national review as well as seven national studies were included in the analysis. Results PHV achieve heterogeneous effects on mortality, hospital and nursing home admission, falls, functional status and quality of life. There is also a trend of PHV delaying or avoiding the need for long-term care. Conclusion Further research is necessary to complete current knowledge and for the adaption of the concept of PHVs to achieve a higher acceptance of the target group as well as a nationwide implementation. In addition, political measures to ensure funding of PHV in Germany are required. Although PHVs are not yet implemented in Germany, various projects in different contexts point towards a persistent social need for and interest in PHVs.