World Health Canada Foundation and Curan's Health Centre is pleased in association with Yuebei People's Hospital In China to conduct the study:

A Comparative Study of the American Community Home Healthcare Model as Applied to China's Health System

Principle Investigators

Dr. Christopher Lai M.D., F.R.C.P.(C)
Associate Professor, Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Associate Clinical Professor, McMaster University
Adjunct Professor, Lakehead University
Medical Director, Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre
Staff Cardiologist, Curans Health Centre

Co-subinvestigators

Dr. David Huang, M.D.
The Affiliated Yuebei People's Hospital of Shantou University Medical College Informatics
Dr. Zhi Hua Meng, M.D.
Yuebei People's Hospital

This study aims at investigating the results of the application of the American Community Home Healthcare Model at Yuebei People's Hospital in Shaoguan, Guangdong China. The benefits of conducting such research include multi-national health care research collaboration, the improvement of health care delivery system, exploring possible utilization and cost-effective benefits, increase cross-cultural learning and fostering international good-will.

250 study subjects will be identified and enrolled into the study after discharge from Inpatient care. The trusted standardized tool, Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) will be utilized to collect patient data, following the standard OASIS Operational application.

Study Objectives

1. To examine the existing framework of the Home Health system currently utilized in Shaoguan, Guangdong China and the logistics of applying the America Home Health Model within this framework.

2. To examine the demographic data and case mix of patients who participate in the study as compared to their North American counterparts.

3. To determine short term and long term clinical health outcomes of study participants including prognosis, rehabilitative potential, and life expectancy.

4. To examine patient's acceptance and satisfaction level with the home health program by patient self report.

5. To identify factors that affect patients attainment of stated health plan goals including patients' cultural perceptions towards the home health program, social-economic and educational factors.

6. To examine the impact of the Home Health Program to the local health care system including, utilization review of readmissions to hospital, length of stays, severity of illness, and impact on disease management.

7. To analyze data captured with the "Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS)" tool to determine relevant study results.

This Study Start-up will be conducted in March 2006, with an Enrollment period of eight months. The study will be monitored by Canadian and US Licensed Clinicians.