Whole-Person Care Extends With Launch of AdventHealth Hospital at Home

Patients in central Florida, United States, now have the option to receive hospital-level acute health care at home with AdventHealth Hospital at Home. The program, which launched at AdventHealth Winter Park January 13, enables patients who would have required an inpatient stay at the facility to receive care at home instead.

AdventHealth Hospital at Home patients receive multiple daily in-person visits from a nurse or paramedic, along with virtual video visits with medical providers using an electronic device. This model has been shown to increase patient satisfaction, reduce exposure to hospital-acquired infections, and decrease confusion by allowing patients to recover in their familiar surroundings.

“We know people want to heal at home, and now the technology exists to allow that to happen for more people,” said Maura Nazario, vice president of clinical operations for AdventHealth home-based services. “Research shows that being in a familiar environment, surrounded by family, can be helpful for the healing process for many people. By bringing the same whole-person care found in our hospitals to your home, we can offer our patients a more comfortable and personalized healing experience, increasing the patient’s autonomy.”

Patients accepted into the program are provided with a computer tablet for video visits with their nurses and physicians, a telephone that connects directly to their care team, a personal emergency response bracelet, vital signs monitoring devices, and a backup power supply. They are monitored 24/7 through a virtual command center. If there is an emergency, the AdventHealth Hospital at Home team will immediately contact paramedics. Patients can also reach their care team in real time with the push of a button. All equipment is provided by the program, with no purchases by the patient required.

When a patient is discharged, the care team removes the monitoring equipment and arranges post-discharge care, including follow-up appointments.

“With the advancement of technology, a significant number of services we offer in an inpatient setting can be provided with the same level of quality at home,” said Jennifer Keehbauch, chief medical officer at AdventHealth Winter Park. “Conditions like congestive heart failure, COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] exacerbations, uncontrolled diabetes, along with people needing IV antibiotics for conditions like skin and bone infections and more can all be treated at home with a higher level of patient satisfaction.”

The AdventHealth Hospital at Home program adds to an already-existing comprehensive range of home health care services, including skilled nursing, physical therapy, home infusions, speech therapy, and home health aides. These services are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, ensuring that patients receive the care they need when they need it.

The original version of this story was posted on the AdventHealth news site.