Health Outcomes and Cost Benefit Study

A consultancy to examine health outcomes and cost benefits in relation to the PAC program was completed in April 2001. The study aimed to analyse the short and medium term clinical outcomes for patients who receive post acute care services through the PAC Program, compared to those who receive post acute care through existing arrangements, and to conduct a cost benefit analysis of the PAC Program compared to post acute care offered through existing arrangements. The study employed a randomised controlled trial methodology.

The findings of the study included:

• that the PAC Services have a statistically significant influence on the health related quality of life of their clients
• that this influence is due in part to the ability of PAC coordinators to better structure the community services received by their clients and in part to the structure of the Program itself, with its emphasis on independent brokerage funds
• that the service reduces the rate of unplanned readmissions to hospital in the six-month period after discharge for patients managed by the Program.

Health Outcomes and Cost Benefit Consultancy - Technical Report - April 2001 (PDF File 2.47 MB)

Health Outcomes and Cost Benefit Consultancy - Final Report - April 2001 (PDF File 1.19 MB)

Evaluation of Outcomes in Older Patients - April 2001 (PDF File 1.12 MB)