Description
The origins of intermediate care as a health policy are discussed leading up to its national implementation programme in England through the National Service Framework for Older People. The randomised controlled trial evidence for the various intermediate care service models is reviewed from the perspectives of clinical, service and economic outcomes. Strengths and weaknesses of the service models are discussed and areas for future research highlighted. It is suggested that the hospital-at-home form of intermediate care has sufficient research evidence to support its use in routine care as an early discharge service.
