Propensity for paying home visits among general practitioners and the associations with cancer patients’ place of care and death: a register-based cohort study
This Danish study has investigated if there is any association between GPs propensity to pay home visits and the likelihood of hospitalisation and dying out of hospital among their cancer patients. Using data from over 2600 practices with more than 110,000 cancer patients the authors found that GPs who have a propensity to pay home visits are positively associated with their patients’ likelihood of having fewer days in hospital during the last 3 months of their life. Additionally, patients were also more likely to die outside of the hospital setting. Overall, the research supports that more GP care through home visits may help ensure that cancer patients have their wishes for end-of-life care fulfilled.
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