Home Hospitalization, an Alternative to Conventional Hospitalization

Abstract

In Portugal, the first home hospitalization unit was formed at 2015, 24 more units were created in the National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in 2019 and the goal would be to open another 10 units by the end of 2021. Home hospitalization is considered as a valid alternative to conventional hospitalization, characterized by providing hospitalized level healthcare at home and a personalized approach adapted to the individual reality of each patient in their usual environment. The direct connection between the health professionals, the patient and their caregivers outside the hostile environment of the hospital, and at the same time without losing the safety and quality of care, allows to reinforce the humanization of Medicine, improve the perception of the disease and create unique education and health promotion opportunities tailored to that patient or family. The aging of the population and the increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases are increasing the pressure on the number of hospital beds available. From the perspective of the sustainability of the NHS, home hospitalization reduces the costs and complications inherent to conventional hospitalization and can be a solution to the problem of overcrowding, with clinical advantages for the patient. Despite the national progression, home hospitalization continues to be little known by the population and professionals. This article aims to highlight and publicize the particularities of this quality service.