Evaluation of a Program of Aftercare for Patients Discharged from the Hospital

A program of aftercare was provided to patients discharged from a Jerusalem hospital to a defined area in the city. An evaluation of this program was carried out utilizing patients discharged to an adjacent area in the city as a control group. Adults living in the treatment area carried out their discharge instructions to a significantly greater degree than those in the control area. There were, however, no differences between the groups in relation to return to major activities, rehospitalization, and other endpoint measures. There were no differences between the groups of children. The problems of evaluating ongoing health service programs are discussed.