Intermediate care including reablement

Recommendation ID: NG74/1
Question: Optimal time between referral and starting intermediate care:- What is the optimal time between referral to and starting intermediate care in terms of effectiveness and cost effectiveness and in terms of people's experiences?
Any explanatory notes (if applicable): Why this is important:- Recommendation 1.5.3 states that for bed-based intermediate care, the service should start within 2 days of a referral being received. There is moderate-quality evidence to suggest that if the referral is made from acute care then the person's condition will begin to deteriorate if intermediate care does not start within 2 days. There is no clear evidence about the most effective timescale for people whose referral is being made in different circumstances, for example if they
are at home and being referred for home-based intermediate care or reablement to prevent hospital admission or improve independence.
A comparative evaluation is needed to assess outcomes associated with different lengths of time between referral and starting the 4 intermediate care service models. Also, to assess the resource impact and overall cost effectiveness of different waiting times. Effectiveness and costeffectiveness research should be complemented by qualitative data from people receiving and delivering the service to investigate their views and experiences and the perceived impact on the person's level of independence and quality of life.

Source guidance details

Is this a recommendation for the use of a technology only in the context of research?	No
Is it a recommendation that suggests collection of data or the establishment of a register?	No
Last Reviewed	30/09/2017