Volume: 46 Issue: 2
Year: 2026, Page: 126-137, Doi: https://doi.org/10.51248/v46i2.38
Received: April 1, 2026 Accepted: June 17, 2026 Published: June 19, 2026
Introduction: The changing healthcare profile in India, characterized by increasing chronic diseases, trauma, and age-related disabilities, has intensified the demand for effective post-hospitalisation rehabilitation services.
Aim: This study examined the strategic establishment of Inpatient Rehabilitation Centres (IRCs) in India and assessed their cost-effectiveness relative to home care services, with a focus on Bangalore.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients receiving rehabilitation services in Bangalore. A total of 432 patients recovering from surgery, trauma, or chronic illness were included. Sociodemographic, clinical, cost, and outcome data were collected using structured questionnaires. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated using the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER).
Results: Patients in inpatient rehabilitation centres (IRCs) incurred a higher mean total cost than those receiving home care (INR 69,004 vs. INR 54,380; p<0.001) but achieved significantly greater functional outcome improvement (20.29 vs. 15.43; p<0.001). The Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) was INR 3,008.89 per additional 1-point gain in functional outcome.
Conclusion: Inpatient rehabilitation centres produced superior rehabilitation outcomes despite higher costs, indicating favourable value for money for patients requiring intensive rehabilitation. An integrated model combining inpatient rehabilitation, home care, and tele-rehabilitation may enhance both effectiveness and resource efficiency within the Indian healthcare system.
Keywords: inpatient rehabilitation centres; home care services; cost-effectiveness; rehabilitation outcome
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Shri Venkateshwara University, Uttar Pradesh, India. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Inpatient Rehabilitation Centers versus Home Care Services in Bangalore, India. Biomedicine: 2026, 46(2): 126-137