Home visits within 24 hours of discharge may cut emergency hospital returns, study finds

A University of Manchester study of more than 63,000 patients found that prompt follow-up by community health teams after hospital discharge was linked to fewer emergency readmissions and A&E visits, highlighting the value of early home-based care.

Patients who receive a visit or contact from community health services within 24 hours of leaving hospital are significantly less likely to return to hospital as an emergency or visit accident and emergency (A&E) departments within a month, according to a new study led by researchers at The University of Manchester.

The findings, from a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded study, suggest that faster follow-up after discharge could improve patient recovery while easing pressure on hospitals. The research also adds to the evidence supporting community-based healthcare, an area where evidence on patient outcomes has remained limited despite millions of contacts provided each year.

Early home support linked to fewer hospital visits

The study analysed records from 63,019 patients referred to 11 NHS Community Trusts in England after discharge from hospital between April and December 2019.

The patients had an average age of 72 years, had multiple health conditions and were considered at high risk of requiring further hospital care.

More than half of the patients received support from community health services within one day of discharge, while around one in five were contacted between two and seven days later. However, more than a quarter received no contact during the first month after leaving hospital.

Researchers compared outcomes across these groups to determine whether the timing of follow-up influenced emergency care use.

Patients contacted within 24 hours had 33% lower odds of attending A&E within 30 days than those who received no follow-up support. They also had 38% lower odds of emergency hospital readmission.

Patients who received follow-up between two and seven days after discharge also experienced better outcomes. They had 20% lower odds of attending A&E and 22% lower odds of emergency readmission compared with those who received no community health contact.

The findings indicate that while follow-up within a week is associated with meaningful benefits, the greatest reductions were seen when support was delivered within the first day after discharge.

Why post-discharge care matters

Hospital discharge marks a vulnerable period for many patients, particularly older adults and those living with multiple health conditions. Community health teams can support recovery by helping patients manage medicines, monitor symptoms, identify complications early and provide reassurance at home.

According to the researchers, around one in seven NHS patients are readmitted to hospital within 30 days of discharge, and many of these readmissions are considered preventable.

Lead author Dr Beth Parkinson, research fellow at The University of Manchester, said the period immediately after discharge represents “a critical window” for preventing avoidable emergency care.

“Our findings show that the period immediately after patients leave hospital is a critical window for preventing avoidable emergency care.

“We found that people who received contact from community health services within one day of discharge were significantly less likely to attend A&E or be readmitted to hospital in the following month.

“While support delivered within a week was still associated with meaningful benefits, the greatest reductions were consistently seen when care was provided within 24 hours.

“These results highlight the important role community health teams play in supporting recovery, improving patient outcomes and reducing pressure on busy hospitals.”

Workforce challenges remain

Parkinson said the findings align with NHS plans to shift more care from hospitals into people’s homes.

“Community health services are central to NHS plans to move more care out of hospitals and into people’s homes.

“Faster follow-up after discharge could cut avoidable A&E visits and readmissions for thousands of patients. But delivering these benefits may require extra funding and staff to tackle longstanding workforce shortages in community care services.”

The researchers say the study provides new evidence that timely community healthcare after hospital discharge can improve patient outcomes and reduce avoidable use of emergency hospital services, with the greatest benefit seen when support begins within 24 hours of leaving hospital.