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A microeconomic study evaluated the health sector cost of home care in Greece for patients with malignant neoplasms. A cost-identification analysis was performed from the home care service's perspective. According to the results of the study, the cost varies among the main categories of malignant neoplasms because of a fluctuation in the cost of drugs, whereas the main cost-driver factor is the cost of laboratory tests. In comparison with the corresponding cost of in-hospital care, the cost of home care for patients with malignant neoplasms is significantly lower, which also is confirmed by the results of other international studies.

Home care nurses are seeing more patients with chest drainage devices than ever before. This article reviews the conditions that may be treated at home with mobile chest drainage devices, specific devices nurses are likely to see in the home, focused nursing assessments, tips for monitoring the devices, and key aspects of patient and caregiver teaching.