@article{5ecaa38e85c0436dad8a977f120c4981,
title = "The value of early discharge: dispelling some myths",
abstract = "Our objective in this paper is to assess the value of early discharge schemes following the economic evaluation of three such schemes in New South Wales, Australia. An early discharge programme for obstetric patients, a fractured hip management programme and a continuing community cancer care programme were evaluated. The results of the economic evaluation of these schemes are discussed in the light of four commonly held beliefs about the value of early discharge: that early discharge schemes succeed in reducing length of stay, that early discharge schemes save money, that the welfare of patients is not reduced by early discharge and that early discharge schemes are cost-effective. The caution expressed by previous authors about the perceived advantages of early discharge schemes is still warranted.",
keywords = "Cost-effectiveness, Early discharge, Economic evaluation, Length of stay",
author = "Anthony Scott and Alan Shiell and Farnworth, {Michael George}",
note = "Funding Information: These evaluations were funded by the NSW Department of Health through the Western Sydney Area Health Service under the Medicare Incentive Package. The help of the staff involved in each scheme is gratefully acknowledged. In particular we thank Prof. R. Kefford, Prof. S. Nade, Dr. M. Price, Ms. J. Madeline and Ms. S. Psaila. Assistance with study design, data collection and comments on various drafts is also gratefully acknowledged from colleagues at the Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation and the Department of Community Medicine at Westmead Hospital, in particular Ms. S. Cameron, Ms. P. Kenny, Ms. M. King and Prof. D.J. Newell. Thanks also go to Michael Aristides for the 4C evaluation. All the usual disclaimers apply, and all opinions expressed in this paper and any remaining errors are the sole responsibility of the authors.",
year = "1993",
month = dec,
doi = "10.1016/0168-8510(93)90111-2",
language = "English",
volume = "26",
pages = "81--91",
journal = "Health Policy",
issn = "0168-8510",
publisher = "Elsevier",
number = "2",
}
