JAMA Netw Open

Home hospital care improves experience for rural patients

December 4, 2025

A randomized trial (NCT05256303) in three rural regions (U.S. and Canada; N = 161) compared acute home hospital care with brick-and-mortar hospitalization for conditions like infections, heart failure, and COPD/asthma. Costs and 30-day readmissions were similar between groups, but home hospital patients were less sedentary (78% vs. 86% of the day) and walked more steps daily (834 vs. 120). Patient experience scores were higher for home care, and safety events were comparable. Transfers to home occurred late (mean days, 4.2 of 6.7), likely limiting cost impact.

Clinical takeaway: Home hospital care in rural settings appears safe and improves patient experience and activity, though earlier transfer may be key to realizing cost benefits.

Source:

Levine DM, et al. (2025, December 1). JAMA Netw Open. Hospital-Level Care at Home for Adults Living in Rural Settings: A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41324962/