Reablement in community-dwelling older adults: a cost-effectiveness analysis alongside a randomized controlled trial

Egil Kjerstad () and Hanne Kristin Tuntland
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Egil Kjerstad: Uni Research Rokkan Centre
Hanne Kristin Tuntland: Bergen University College

Health Economics Review, 2016, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Background In the face of a growing number of older adults in the population, policy-makers in high-income countries are seeking new ways to reduce the expected growth in long-term care expenditure. Research shows that disability is an important determinant of long-term care utilization. In this context, reablement has received increased attention. Reablement is a form of home-based rehabilitation, which focuses on improving independent functioning in daily activities perceived as important by the older adult. Objective To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of reablement. Methods The economic evaluation is based on data from a randomized controlled trial in which all participants were assessed at baseline and after 3 and 9 months. The intervention group participated in reablement, while the control group received usual care. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used to measure self-perceived activity performance and satisfaction with performance. Cost data were based on daily registrations of usage of home-based care personnel during a period of 9 months. Results Reablement was found to be more cost-effective than usual care. The assessments of performance and satisfaction regarding daily activities were significantly higher in the reablement group compared with the control group and this was achieved at lower cost. Importantly too, in the post-trial period, the intervention group requested significantly fewer home visits which were, on average, of significantly shorter duration compared with the control group. Expenditure on home visits was significantly lower for the reablement group. Conclusions Reablement is a more cost-effective intervention compared with usual care. Reablement has a potentially large effect on the demand for compensating home-based care services. Policy-makers should therefore consider implementing reablement on a larger scale.

Keywords: Rehabilitation; Randomized controlled trial; Economic evaluation; Home care services (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1186/s13561-016-0092-8

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