Thanks to a new Hospital at Home program in Novant Health's coastal region, eligible patients can now receive a hospital level of care in the comfort of their own homes.
Christy Spivey, senior director of hospital-based medicine for Novant Health's coastal region, has been a nurse long enough to know one of the most frequent questions hospitalized patients ask: When can I go home?
"We've received very positive feedback from our initial patients, who have expressed gratitude for being able to be in their own beds and enjoy home-cooked meals. They have also praised our team members for their care and professionalism," said Spivey. "We know from our peers across the country that these programs demonstrate strong health care outcomes and significantly enhance the patient experience."
Hospital at Home has many of the hallmarks of a care experience inside the four walls of the hospital. Patients get a daily visit from a physician, who assesses them virtually. The care team monitors vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature and oxygen level. The patient has 24/7 access to a registered nurse, who coordinates care from a virtual hub inside the hospital.
At least twice daily, Novant Health community paramedics who are part of the program make home visits to assess the patients.
"Our skilled community paramedics provide an invaluable hands-on role and can assist with everything from listening to the lungs to checking wound dressings to monitoring medications," said Dr. Heather Davis, chief clinical officer for Novant Health's coastal region. "We are confident our dedicated medical staff members alongside the multidisciplinary team we have in place can successfully support recovery and a positive experience for our patients receiving care via Hospital at Home."
This model can be particularly beneficial for patients who may be experiencing a flare-up of a chronic condition. Patients with lower-risk conditions or who are recovering from a surgery may also be eligible. The ideal patient needs acute inpatient-level care for an average of four days or less. Physicians will review a patient's individual circumstances and medical history to determine if Hospital at Home could be a good fit.
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