Table of Contents
- The Current State of Hospitals
- Advanced Care at Home: A New Model of Healthcare
- Building a Successful Advanced Care at Home Program
- The Future of Advanced Care at Home
- Conclusion
The healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly, with hospitals facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation, and a workforce stretched thin. In response, innovative solutions like advanced care at home have emerged as viable alternatives to traditional hospital care. This article explores the benefits, challenges, and future potential of delivering hospital-level care directly into patients’ homes, a model that has gained significant traction and is poised to reshape the healthcare industry.
The Current State of Hospitals
1. Hospitals Under Pressure
Hospitals have been on precarious footing for nearly three years, struggling with capacity issues and resource constraints exacerbated by the pandemic. The recent “tridemic”—a convergence of RSV, influenza, and COVID-19—highlighted the ongoing strain on hospital systems. Many facilities faced bed shortages, underscoring the need for alternative care models that can alleviate the burden on traditional brick-and-mortar hospitals.
2. Workforce Burnout
Healthcare workers have faced immense pressure, leading to widespread burnout. The ongoing challenges in the healthcare industry have made it difficult for hospitals to maintain the high standards of care that communities rely on. This has further driven the need for innovative solutions that not only support patient care but also improve the working conditions for healthcare professionals.
Advanced Care at Home: A New Model of Healthcare
1. The Emergence of Advanced Care at Home
The concept of providing hospital-level care in the comfort of a patient’s home gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic. With federal waivers in place, 114 health systems across 37 states, including Kaiser Permanente, implemented advanced care at home programs. This model proved to be a lifeline during the pandemic, offering a safe and effective alternative to overcrowded hospitals.
2. Meeting Patient Preferences and Reducing Costs
As the baby boomer population ages, there is a growing demand for healthcare services that cater to their preferences for receiving care at home. Building new hospitals is an expensive endeavor, with costs ranging from $60 million to over $1 billion. Advanced care at home offers a cost-effective solution that aligns with patient desires while reducing the financial burden on healthcare systems.
Learn More: Understanding the Changes and Promoting Wellness in Aging
Building a Successful Advanced Care at Home Program
1. Patient-Centered Design
Creating an advanced care at home program requires a patient-centered approach. Focus groups can help identify what patients need to feel safe and supported in this type of care setting. Usability is a key concern, which is why technology used in patients’ homes should be simple and intuitive. For example, a touchpad with a single call button to contact the care team ensures that patients can easily access the help they need.
2. Aligning Quality, Operations, and Marketing
Building an advanced care at home program is a collaborative effort that involves multiple departments, including quality, compliance, operations, marketing, and communications. Leadership buy-in is crucial to rallying teams around the goals of the program. Sharing stories that highlight the benefits of this care model can inspire and motivate teams to work together to build a successful program.
3. Pressure-Testing Before Launch
Before launching an advanced care at home program, it’s essential to pressure-test the system. Simulating potential issues in areas like the supply chain, lab services, and pharmacy operations helps ensure that the program is stable and secure when it goes live. This thorough preparation builds confidence among the care team and ensures a smooth transition for the first patients.
4. Enhancing Healthcare Worker Satisfaction
Advanced care at home programs can also improve job satisfaction for healthcare workers. Hospitalists and nurses involved in these programs often find renewed joy and meaning in their work, as they can provide more personalized care and foster stronger connections with patients and their families. This positive impact on healthcare workers is a significant advantage in an industry plagued by burnout.
5. Managing Change
Implementing an advanced care at home program requires careful change management. It takes time for physicians and care teams to gain confidence in a new care model. Transparent communication, case conferences, and sharing data are essential to building trust and ensuring that all stakeholders embrace the change.
The Future of Advanced Care at Home
1. Scaling the Model
For advanced care at home to become a widespread solution, healthcare systems, programs, and regulators must develop specific quality measures to ensure patient safety. As the model gains traction, it will be essential to scale it effectively to meet the growing demand for home-based care.
2. A Sustainable Healthcare Solution
As hospitals continue to face challenges, advanced care at home offers a sustainable solution that benefits both patients and healthcare providers. By delivering hospital-level care in the home, healthcare systems can reduce costs, improve patient satisfaction, and enhance the work-life balance of healthcare professionals.
Learn More: Benefits of Working with Elderly Patients
Conclusion
The advanced care at home model represents a significant shift in how healthcare is delivered. As hospitals grapple with ongoing challenges, this innovative approach offers a viable and sustainable solution for the future. By prioritizing patient-centered design, aligning key functions, and carefully managing change, healthcare systems can successfully implement advanced care at home programs that meet the needs of both patients and providers.
At From The Heart Home Care, we are committed to embracing this forward-thinking model, ensuring that our patients receive the highest level of care in the comfort and safety of their homes.
