When people live with chronic conditions, they must have the proper care at the right time. Home health services can be a flexible way for patients to receive care and be monitored by a nurse or other provider on a regular basis. Healthcare professionals can work with patients and their caregivers to identify the best setting for home health care, whether at home or at another location. This blog post will discuss what technologies are available to help manage patient’s needs in their homes. Patients in their homes often require 24-hour support from multiple staff members. Ensuring that residents stay healthy and happy can be challenging for everyone involved. But investing in new technologies can make staying beneficial easier for all involved.
The Number of Home Health Referrals and COVID-19 Scores was Measured.
Hospital inpatient volumes plummeted when non-essential medical care and procedures were suspended in the early stages of the COVID-19 epidemic, resulting in a substantial reduction in post-acute care referrals. During March and April 2020, referrals to home health care dropped by 32 percent, while intrepid admissions dropped 30 percent between March and May. New York was one of the first places to be hit by COVID-19, and hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies all lacked the proper PPE to care for patients.
According to report data, referrals to the home health industry have increased over time as the country has shifted towards home care. According to report data, as of February 2021, home health referrals had reached 98% of the 2019 baseline. We will see increased utilization of home health, palliative, and hospice care as people realize they can get the same quality of care in their homes. As more people realize they can get the same quality of care in their homes for elective surgeries that are returning.”
Home health providers can benefit from care coordination technology. When there are an increasing number of referrals by becoming more efficient and acting as a better referral partner for hospitals, physician groups, and ACOs in the absence of on-site home health liaisons, face-to-face interactions, and traditional “warm” handoffs. Providers can better close communication gaps revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic and gain complete clinical visibility into a patient’s care across all levels.
Home Health Patients are Becoming More Sensitive to Pain.
Home health providers must also care for higher acuity patients as they navigate increased referral volumes. Even though referral volumes to home health have rebounded strongly, SNF referrals remain low, and those with chronic illnesses seek care in their homes. When referral volumes returned to pre-pandemic levels, both VNSNY and Intrepid saw higher acuity patients. Data supports this finding, revealing a 7% jump in patient acuity between 2019 and 2020. Furthermore, data shows a 17% increase in kidney failure, a 21% increase in respiratory failure, and an 8% rise in dementia prevalence among patients referred to home health care. Other serious issues included.
Care coordination tools have been essential to ensure the best quality of care for patients and minimize organizational costs, particularly as they care for more acute patients. For hospital providers, these technologies help ensure that a patient’s treatment plan is in place and that the first home health appointment is scheduled before the patient leaves the hospital. Home health care is becoming more like “SNF at home” and thus requires more careful monitoring than ever before. Intrepid and Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY) may provide referral partners with more insight into home health care to ensure their patients receive the appropriate, high-quality post-hospital care.
Home Health Care and Health Technologies
With home health care, patients may receive visits from nurses or other health care providers who can help them manage their conditions. This type of care is often referred to as in-home care. Some health technologies, like wearable devices and connected devices, can benefit people who need 24/7 support. For example, patients with chronic conditions like arthritis, Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s can benefit from a wearable device that can track their movements and deliver reminders to take their medications. Patients who require 24/7 care can also benefit from connected devices that can support activities of daily living (ADLs). For example, someone with arthritis can use a home health care system to turn on the lights or adjust the thermostat when they need help.
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Electronic health records (EHRs) are a critical component of home health care. Home healthcare providers can use EHRs to easily access patient information, including information about medications and medical conditions. Providers can also use EHRs to refer patients to other healthcare services and coordinate care with other providers. Home healthcare systems can integrate with EHRs to help manage care. Systems can allow providers to view patient records and order medications through a single interface.
Virtual Care
Virtual care allows patients to receive care from a doctor or other health professional via HIPAA-compliant secure video conference. Video chat is an easy way for providers to stay in touch with patients and spend more time with them. Virtual care can also be an option for patients who live too far from a clinic or don’t have access to a regular doctor. Home healthcare systems can integrate with virtual care services to help manage care. Providers can schedule virtual care sessions and view patient records remotely, which can save time and help providers provide better care.
Mobile Health Apps
Home healthcare providers can also integrate health apps that support patients. For example, someone who needs to take medication regularly can download an app that tracks their dose. Mobile health apps such as Hucu.ai Telehealth solution can also help manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. People with these conditions can use this app to manage their health and stay within a set dietary restriction. By tracking their food and exercise, someone with diabetes can receive guidance on healthy eating and staying within a normal range for blood sugar. Mobile health apps can also help with pain management.
Video Monitoring
Video monitoring can be an effective way to check on patients at home remotely. Healthcare providers can easily access video monitoring via their own devices. Patients can also use a remote camera to watch their healthcare provider. Video monitoring can benefit patients who live alone and need to be checked regularly. Some home healthcare systems can automatically send alerts when a patient’s condition changes. Home health care providers can also use video monitoring to review patient records and communicate with patients. Providers can view patients’ records while visiting, which can help avoid time wasted driving back and forth between appointments.
Smart Home Thermostats
Smart thermostats can help manage chronic conditions by limiting the heat generated when a person is indoors. Thermostats can also help manage pain since some people with chronic conditions experience flare-ups when the temperature is too high. Home health care systems can integrate with smart thermostats to provide consistent temperature management.
Conclusion
Health is a significant aspect of quality of life. People often turn to home health care and other health technologies to help manage their conditions, ensuring they receive the care they need. With new technologies like virtual care and wearable devices, patients can stay in their own homes and receive remote care. With remote monitoring, patients can check in on themselves and get help managing their chronic conditions. Home healthcare providers can also use remote monitoring to access patient records and provide remote care. These health technologies can be particularly helpful for people with chronic conditions who have difficulty accessing healthcare services or don’t have regular healthcare providers. Home healthcare providers can use these technologies to better manage their patient’s care.
