[Home-administered therapy for hyperemesis gravidarum: an example of a successful transition of care from hospital to home].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the implementation of home-administered intravenous rehydration for patients with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) as an alternative to hospital admission.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

METHOD: Between 11 July 2022 and 1 January 2025, patients with HG requiring intravenous fluids were treated at home. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Primary outcomes were the number of avoided hospital admission days and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

A total of 167 patients received home-administered rehydration, covering 246 treatment episodes and 1,989 treatment days. In 89% of cases rehydration could be administered at home, either fully or partly, resulting in an estimated reduction of 566 inpatient days. In 66% of cases, a single treatment episode was sufficient. Patient satisfaction was high.

CONCLUSION

Home-administered therapy for HG significantly reduced hospital admissions while maintaining high patient satisfaction. The organizational framework we developed may serve as a template for other low-complexity conditions requiring intravenous therapy in the home setting.