Final answer:
Earlier hospital discharges in the health care delivery system have led to an increased need for home health care to support continued patient recovery and avoid hospital readmissions.
Step-by-step explanation:
One significant change in the health care delivery system in recent years is earlier hospital discharges. A key result of earlier hospital discharges has been an increased reliance on post-hospital care, such as home health care. While policy and economic factors drive early hospital discharge, it aims to reduce healthcare costs, but may simultaneously shift the burden of care to outpatient services and home health providers. Thus, the consequence of earlier hospital discharges can be an increased need for home health care, particularly to avoid readmissions and ensure patient recovery.