Everything you need to know about Hospital-At-Home
- Published March 10, 2023
- By Ken Coffman
Introduction: What is a hospital-at-home program?
A hospital-at-home program is a healthcare service that allows patients to receive acute medical care in the comfort of their own homes rather than in a traditional hospital setting. The program is designed to provide the same level of care and treatment that patients receive in a hospital but in a more personalized and familiar environment.
Patients eligible for hospital-at-home programs typically have conditions requiring hospitalization but can be safely and effectively managed at home with appropriate medical supervision. These conditions may include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, pneumonia, cellulitis, and other acute medical infections.
Hospital-at-home programs usually involve a team of healthcare professionals who provide medical care and support to patients in their homes. This team may include physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare providers coordinating patient care and ensuring they receive the appropriate treatment.
The benefits of hospital-at-home programs include improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, increased patient satisfaction, and decreased risk of hospital-acquired infections. However, these programs are unsuitable for all patients and conditions, and a healthcare professional should determine eligibility for hospital-at-home programs on a case-by-case basis.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic induce growth in the hospital-at-home market?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare industry, and one of the areas that have seen growth is the hospital-at-home market. The pandemic has created a surge in demand for hospital beds, and hospital-at-home programs have emerged as a viable alternative to traditional hospital care for certain patients.
Here are some ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has induced growth in the hospital-at-home market:
- 1. Reduced hospital capacity: Many hospitals were overwhelmed by the influx of COVID-19 patients, leading to a shortage of hospital beds. Hospital-at-home programs have helped to alleviate this capacity issue by allowing patients to receive treatment in their homes.
- 2. Increased infection risk: Hospitals are high-risk environments for infection transmission, including COVID-19. Hospital-at-home programs have helped to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission by allowing patients to receive care in their homes, where they are less likely to be exposed to the virus.
- 3. Telehealth technology: The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telehealth technology, making it easier for healthcare providers to monitor and manage patients remotely. This technology has been a critical enabler of hospital-at-home programs, allowing patients to receive virtual consultations and remote monitoring of their vital signs.
- 4. Cost savings: Hospital-at-home programs are more cost-effective than care for specific conditions. Cost savings have been significant during the pandemic when many healthcare systems faced financial pressures.
What companies are the big players in the hospital-at-home market in the United States?
The hospital-at-home market in the United States is still emerging, but several companies are leading the way. Here are some of the big players in the hospital-at-home market in the United States:
- 1. Contessa Health: Contessa Health is a healthcare company that provides hospital-at-home programs to patients in several states. The company offers various services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and home-based treatment for acute conditions.
- 2. Medically Home: Medically home is a healthcare company that offers hospital-at-home programs to patients in several states. The company uses virtual technology, remote monitoring, and in-home care to provide patients with a hospital level of care in their homes.
- 3. DispatchHealth: DispatchHealth is a healthcare company that provides on-demand, in-home medical care to patients in several states. The company offers various services, including acute care, post-acute care, and chronic care management.
- 4. Landmark Health: Landmark Health is a healthcare company that provides in-home medical care to patients with complex medical needs. The company offers various services, including acute care, post-acute care, and chronic care management.
- 5. Johns Hopkins Home Care Group: Johns Hopkins Home Care Group is a healthcare company offering hospital-at-home programs to Maryland patients. The company provides various services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and in-home care for acute conditions.
These companies are among the leaders in the hospital-at-home market in the United States. However, several other companies are also emerging as the demand for hospital-at-home programs grows. Best Buy recently partnered with Atrium Health, a North Carolina-based healthcare system, to help enable a hospital-at-home program. Atrium Health is part of Advocate Health, one of the United States’ largest healthcare nonprofits.
Best Buy’s Geek Squad will go to patients’ homes, set up technology that remotely monitors their heart rate, blood oxygen level, or other vitals, and train the patient or others in the house how to use the devices. The data would then be shared securely with doctors and nurses through the telemedicine hub from Current Health. (Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/07/best-buy-atrium-health-in-home-hospital-care.html)
What are some of the most common hospital-at-home products?
Hospital-at-home products vary depending on the patient’s specific needs and the condition being treated. However, here are some examples of standard hospital-at-home products:
- 1. Remote monitoring devices allow healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. Remote monitoring devices can be connected to smartphones, tablets, or other devices for real-time monitoring.
- 2. Infusion pumps deliver medications, fluids, or other substances directly into a patient's bloodstream. Infusion pumps can be used for various treatments, such as chemotherapy, hydration therapy, or pain management.
- 3. Oxygen therapy equipment includes devices such as oxygen concentrators, oxygen tanks, and portable oxygen machines that deliver oxygen to patients with respiratory conditions.
- 4. Wound care products include dressings, bandages, and wound vacuums used to treat wounds in a home setting.
- 5. Telehealth technology: This includes software and devices that allow healthcare providers to connect with patients remotely, such as video conferencing software, mobile apps, and remote patient monitoring devices.
- 6. Medical equipment includes a range of medical equipment such as hospital beds, patient lifts, and mobility devices that may be necessary to care for patients in their homes.
Overall, the products used in hospital-at-home programs are designed to provide patients with a high level of care in a home setting while allowing healthcare providers to monitor their condition and provide ongoing treatment as needed.
Is the hospital-at-home market expected to continue to grow after the pandemic?
Yes, the hospital-at-home market is expected to grow after the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of hospital-at-home programs, and healthcare systems are increasingly recognizing the benefits of providing care in patient’s homes. Here are some reasons why the hospital-at-home market is expected to continue to grow:
- 1. Improved patient outcomes: Hospital-at-home programs have improved patient outcomes and reduced the risk of hospital-acquired infections. Avoiding infection is particularly important for elderly or immunocompromised patients at higher risk of infection complications.
- 2. Cost savings: Hospital-at-home programs are more cost-effective than care for specific conditions. Being more cost-effective can reduce overall healthcare costs and improve the financial sustainability of healthcare systems.
- 3. Telehealth technology: The adoption of telehealth technology has accelerated during the pandemic, which is expected to play a critical role in the growth of hospital-at-home programs. Telehealth technology allows for remote consultations and monitoring of patients, making it easier for healthcare providers to manage patients in their homes.
- 4. Patient preference: Many patients prefer to receive care in their homes rather than in a hospital setting. Hospital-at-home programs can provide patients with a more personalized and comfortable experience.
- 5. Aging population: The aging population is increasing, and there is a growing need for healthcare services to care for elderly patients in their homes.
Overall, the hospital-at-home market is expected to grow as healthcare systems look for more efficient and effective ways to provide patient care. The pandemic has accelerated this trend, but the benefits of hospital-at-home programs are likely to continue to drive growth in the future.
Are there any disadvantages to hospital-at-home care?
While hospital-at-home care can offer many benefits to patients, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider. Here are a few possible disadvantages to hospital-at-home care:
- 1. Limited availability: Hospital-at-home programs are not widely available in all areas, and not all healthcare systems offer them. Limited availability can hinder access to this type of care for some patients.
- 2. The complexity of care: Patients who require hospital-level care at home may have complex medical needs that require specialized equipment, medication, or other interventions. The complexity of care can make managing patients in a home setting more difficult.
- 3. Home environment: The home environment may need to be better suited to providing hospital-level care. Patients may have limited space or access to specialized equipment, and the home environment may not be as sterile as a hospital environment.
- 4. Caregiver burden: Hospital-at-home programs may place a significant burden on family members or caregivers who are responsible for helping to provide care to the patient. The caregiver burden can be particularly challenging if the patient requires 24/7 care or has other responsibilities.
- 5. Insurance coverage: Not all insurance plans may cover hospital-at-home programs, which can limit access to this type of care for some patients.
It is crucial to weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages of hospital-at-home care for each patient and their specific medical needs. Healthcare providers and patients should discuss hospital-at-home programs’ benefits and potential drawbacks before deciding whether this type of care is right for them.
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About the Author
Hello, I'm Ken Coffman, a member of the Engineering team at Tri-Tech Medical, Inc. Based in Avon, Ohio, I've forged a career steeped in a passion for technology, with a skill set as broad as it is deep. I hold several esteemed certifications, including CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and Linux+. Additionally, I am a Microsoft Certified Professional, a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, a Certified Ethical Hacker, and a Sage 100/300 Systems Administrator. Alongside these, I am also a VMware Technical Solutions Professional and have achieved various Microsoft Virtual Academy Accreditations, such as Core Solutions of Exchange Server, Exchange Cutover Migrations, Troubleshooting Windows, and Sysinternals for IT Pros. These accolades reflect my commitment to continual learning and mastering the complexities of IT systems administration.
