By: Dr. Cynthia Johnson and Dr. Beth R. Keely

In this, the twenty-first century, an explosion is taking place in the Home Health Care Industry along with this there is an increasing number of home health care agencies which are replacing hospitals as the predominant employer or nurses (McKinon, 1995). The role of the home health nurse is analyzed in relation to health promotion and restoration, and disease prevention in providing nursing care to individuals and families in the home care setting. Home Health I emphasizes nursing care and services using the levels of health care and levels of prevention in assessing, planning, diagnosing and evaluating home health nursing care. This system is suitable for undergraduate studies and distance and continuing education.

This CAI examines the differences among the various types of community based nursing, and the differences between community health, public health, and home health nursing practices. Historical perspectives and trends driving the current increase of home health care agencies as well as reimbursement methodologies for clients are explored. The issues relating to the transition from an acute setting to home health care environment are examined and the differences in various nursing rolls in each setting are analyzed.

Nursing techniques used during the home visit including cultural, biophysical, environmental, and functional assessment of the client and family are explored. The importance of the referral process and documentation are emphasized. The steps of the health education process using the analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate (ADDIE) instructional design process are presented. Cultural influences relating to the teaching-learning process are explored. Case management and discharge planning within a managed care context in home health care nursing is presented. Several case management models are explored. Continuous quality improvement and outcome assessment applied to home health care nursing are reviewed. The outcome and assessment information set (OASIS) model is introduced as a suggested outcome assessment. The Home Health system concludes with information on ethical theories along with the Home Care Bill of Rights, financing, and the certification and accreditation bodies regulating home health care.

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