To expedite recovery, caring in a familiar environment could help. Moreover, home environment can reduce the stress and anxiety that relatives often experience when their loved ones are in the hospital. Hospital@Home is an innovative healthcare delivery model that provides medical care to patients in their own homes rather than in traditional hospital settings. This approach has been adopted in different countries, e.g. United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. Its objectives are multifaceted, aiming to improves patient outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, improve access to care by reducing hospital overcrowding, broaden public health goals, and drive innovation in healthcare delivery.
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, the Hospital Authority introduced elements of Hospital@Home, such as care provision at Residential Care Home for the Elderly (RCHE) and tele-consultations, to address the overwhelming demand for medical services. Since 2021, a similar initiative known as the "Virtual Ward" has been implemented by the Hospital Authority, demonstrating a measurable reduction in hospital re-admission. Two community care programs have also proven their effectiveness as evidenced by decrease of AED attendance.
To further optimize the existing Hospital@Home program, an enhanced service model is proposed with symptom monitoring using telehealth devices and electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (ePROMs) reported by patients. Patients and / or families can monitor patients' own progress and identify trends or patterns on their symptoms using self-reporting e-platform, leading to better self-management and facilitate virtual ward rounds. With PROMs, patients at higher risk for complications or adverse outcomes can be identified, allowing for timely intervention and management.
Although there are several Hospital@Home programs within the Hospital Authority, a clearly defined and optimal service model has yet to be established. Incorporating telehealth with Hospital@Home programs offers a range of significant benefits that enhance the quality of care, patient experience and overall efficiency of the healthcare system.
