As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, innovative ways of delivering care are being explored to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. One such initiative is the acute hospital-at-home movement, which aims to provide high-quality care to patients in the comfort of their own homes. Boston-based Mass General Brigham has been at the forefront of this movement and has recently received a grant to evaluate the delivery of short-term rehab care at home.
The $4.6 million grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services will fund a randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of delivering short-term rehab care at home versus at a skilled nursing facility (SNF). This comes at a crucial time when the cost of SNFs is on the rise, and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the capacity challenges and staffing shortages that these facilities face.
By providing rehab care at home, Mass General Brigham aims to alleviate the capacity crisis in healthcare systems across the state. Patients who are discharged from acute care hospitals often face delays in accessing post-acute care settings, leading to overcrowding in hospitals and a lack of available beds for new patients. This trial seeks to address these challenges and revolutionize how advanced rehab care is delivered to patients.
The study will enroll 300 patients from five acute care hospitals in the Boston area, with half receiving care at home and the other half in a traditional SNF. Patients receiving care at home will have access to a team of healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, home health aides, and paramedics. They will also receive remote physician visits, in-home care, and tailored therapies to meet their needs.
The results of a previous pilot trial conducted by Mass General Brigham showed promising outcomes, including lower costs and a better patient experience compared to traditional SNF care. This new trial aims to replicate those results with a larger patient cohort and evaluate the experiences of family caregivers and clinical staff.
In conclusion, Mass General Brigham’s initiative to deliver short-term rehab care at home has the potential to transform how post-acute care is delivered and improve patient outcomes. By providing care in the home setting, patients may experience better outcomes, reduced costs, and a more comfortable recovery process. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, innovative models of care delivery like this one will play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare.
**FAQs**
1. What is the acute hospital-at-home movement?
– The acute hospital-at-home movement aims to provide hospital-level care to patients in their homes, reducing the need for hospital stays and improving patient outcomes.
2. How will patients receiving care at home be supported?
– Patients receiving care at home will have access to a team of healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, home health aides, and paramedics. They will also receive tailored therapies and remote physician visits.
3. What are the potential benefits of delivering rehab care at home?
– Delivering rehab care at home may lead to lower costs, better patient experiences, and improved outcomes compared to traditional skilled nursing facility care. It may also help alleviate capacity challenges in healthcare systems.
4. How will the trial evaluate the effectiveness of home-based rehab care?
– The trial will compare the outcomes of patients receiving care at home versus those in a traditional skilled nursing facility. Researchers will also assess the experiences of family caregivers and clinical staff to understand any potential benefits or challenges of this care model.
5. What are the long-term goals of Mass General Brigham’s initiative?
– Mass General Brigham aims to create an evidence base that can serve as a pathway for healthcare systems nationwide to adopt similar home-based care models. The ultimate goal is to transform how post-acute care is delivered and improve outcomes for patients.
By prioritizing patient-centered care and exploring innovative care delivery models, Mass General Brigham is paving the way for a new era of healthcare that prioritizes patient comfort, cost-effectiveness, and improved outcomes.