AMA member survey: barriers to the provision of hospital in the home services

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is seeking member input to better understand the practical barriers to delivering hospital in the home (HITH) services across Australia. 

HITH has the potential to improve patient outcomes, relieve pressure on hospitals, and support more efficient care delivery. However, AMA members have reported that significant barriers exist in practice. We are seeking views on where HITH works well and where it doesn’t, including unintended consequences.

This survey seeks to capture your on-the-ground experience across both public and private settings, and across both medical and mental health HITH services. The outcomes of this survey will inform AMA policy development and advocacy with governments, funders, private health insurers, and health system stakeholders. 

Responses will be de-identified and reported in aggregate. 

Definition of HITH for this survey

HITH is a model of care where patients receive acute, hospital‑level treatment in their home, rather than being admitted to a hospital ward. HITH is intended to substitute for an inpatient admission and is delivered under hospital clinical governance. HITH may include both physical and mental health care, including acute mental health services delivered in the home where these substitute for an inpatient hospital or mental health unit admission.

HITH differs from other hospital or non‑hospital programs in that it provides acute care that would otherwise occur in hospital, rather than primary care, post‑acute care, chronic disease management, or community‑based services that do not replace a hospital admission.

For this survey, please answer based on services that substitute for an inpatient admission (even if terminology differs locally).