Abstract

Abstract:To study the medical, economic, and social impact of a home therapy program for hemophilia A on five selected patients, before and after home therapy medical records were reviewed, physical examinations and laboratory studies were conducted, and social histories and patients' opinions were solicited. The program involved teaching the patients or members of their families to give intravenous infusions of antihemophilic factor (AHF) concentrates, usually cryoprecipitate, and gradually allowing them to assume responsibility for determining the time and amount of treatment. Results of home therapy included significantly decreased use of hospital facilities (particularly in number of outpatient visits), little increase in consumption of AHF concentrates, and marked improvement in patients' feelings of well-being and independence. The only problem encountered was the loss of third-party payment for concentrates and supplies when home therapy was begun.