Original Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ground-breaking-study-launching-bath-out-2-findings-house-paul-smith-a8yse/

Briefing Document: Bath Out 2 Study Findings
Date: October 26, 2023 (Date of response generation)
Subject: Review of the "Bath Out 2" Study on the Impact of Expedited Home Adaptations

Source: Article by Paul Smith - Director of Foundations, titled "A Ground-breaking Study: Launching the Bath Out 2 Findings at the House of Lords"

Introduction:

This document provides a summary and analysis of the findings from the "Bath Out 2" study, a pioneering research project that investigated the impact of expedited home adaptations, specifically focused on bathroom modifications like level-access showers. The study utilizes a robust randomized controlled trial (RCT) methodology, making its conclusions highly credible and impactful. The key takeaway is the demonstrable benefit of faster home adaptation delivery, both for individuals and the healthcare system.

Main Themes & Key Findings:

1.Rigorous Research Methodology:

◦The study employed a randomized controlled trial (RCT), which is considered the "gold standard" in research. This methodology compared a group receiving expedited home adaptations with a control group on a standard waiting list, ensuring a high level of confidence in the study's findings.

◦As the author, Paul Smith, states: "By comparing two groups—one receiving expedited adaptations and one on a standard waiting list—this study provides robust, reliable results."

2.Significant Improvements in Physical Wellbeing:

◦Participants who received expedited adaptations showed a 2.5-point increase in physical wellbeing scores compared to the control group. This highlights the direct positive impact of these modifications on their physical health.

◦This demonstrates a "measurable improvement in their ability to live well."

3.Reduced Falls and Injuries:

◦The expedited adaptation group experienced a 70% reduction in falls. This has significant implications for reducing serious injuries and hospitalizations, underscoring the preventative value of home modifications.

4.Enhanced Independence:

◦The study demonstrated substantial gains in independence for individuals who received expedited adaptations.

◦The Barthel Index (a measure of activities of daily living) showed an 8.7-point improvement, while bathing-specific independence increased almost tenfold in the expedited group, highlighting a major boost in self-sufficiency.

5.Cost-Effectiveness:

◦The study proved that faster delivery of adaptations is not just beneficial to the individual but is also cost-effective for the health and social care system.

◦Expedited adaptations saved £1,107 per person in health and social care costs while simultaneously increasing quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) by 5%, showcasing a clear return on investment.

6.Ripple Effect and Prevention:

◦The study emphasizes the preventative power of early intervention.

◦"For many older adults, struggling with bathing is just the beginning of wider challenges. Installing a level access shower early prevents that initial difficulty from spiralling into dependency, fear of falling, and poorer mental health." This demonstrates the crucial role adaptations play in avoiding further health decline and preserving quality of life.

7.Call to Action:

◦The article is a direct call to action for councils and professionals to translate the evidence from Bath Out 2 into policy and practice.

◦Foundations, the organization represented by Paul Smith, offers support to facilitate process improvements, share best practices, and train teams to expedite home adaptation delivery.

◦The author states, "we’re here to help