Bridging gaps in care: medical student home visits and their influence on radiation oncology patients.

PURPOSE: Patient care in radiation oncology is challenging. Interface problems can arise, particularly when transitioning from the inpatient to home environment. Inpatients' perception of safety regarding the upcoming discharge and their satisfaction with care were addressed in the project.

METHODS

"Bridging the gaps" was an optional course for medical students in their 5th year. The study consisted of two arms-one with a home visit by medical students and the other without such a visit. Before discharge, inpatient radiation oncology patients were offered a home visit by medical students. A survey was conducted before (time point 1) and 3-5 days after discharge (time point 2) using questionnaires concerning satisfaction with care, current health status, and perception of safety. Outcome changes between time points 1 and 2 in both groups (with vs. without home visit) were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients were interviewed. Patients which received a home visit expressed improved perception of safety after discharge, whereas patients without a home visit showed decreased perception of safety (p = 0.024 for group-difference). Both groups showed a high level of satisfaction with care, which varied between the time points. In patients without a home visit, satisfaction decreased significantly after discharge, whereas satisfaction slightly increased in patients with a home visit (p = 0.001 for group-difference).

CONCLUSION

Radiation oncology patients may benefit from home visits by increasing their perception of safety. Continuation and expansion of the project could strengthen the role of radiation oncology in the cross-sectoral care system.