Eight RCTs were included (n=1,122 patients, range 62 to 320). On the PEDro scale two studies scored 8, three studies scored 7 and three studies scored 6. Follow-up periods ranged from three months to five years; half of the studies had follow-up periods of around six months.
Outgoing early supported discharge services from hospital (three RCTs): There was some evidence of no effect on basic and personal activities of daily living, functional skills and falls. There was some evidence of positive effects on instrumental activities of daily living, reducing hospital length of stay, remaining at home after discharge and use of health services. There was conflicting evidence on quality of life measures.
Outgoing early supported discharge teams from hospital without rehabilitation services (three RCTs): There was moderate to strong evidence of no effect on instrumental activities of daily living and some evidence of no effect on basic activities of daily living, quality of life, satisfaction, readmission rates and use of health services. There was some evidence of positive effects on reducing hospital length of stay, being discharged home and remaining at home.
Community-based rehabilitation services after early discharge (two RCTs): There were contradictory results for basic activities of daily living and quality of life. There was moderate to strong evidence of no effect on instrumental activities of daily living, satisfaction, hospital readmission rates and use of health care services. There was some evidence of positive effects on reducing hospital length of stay.