"Hospital-at-home" programs are increasing in popularity with patients, and health systems are beginning to realize the potential cost benefits and improved health outcomes of these programs, according to a report published by consulting firm McKinsey & Company Feb. 2.
As hospitals look to integrate hospital-at-home services into their care options, they should consider several strategic decisions and questions.
In order to best implement care-at-home programs, health systems should create maps of patient care journeys to decide along which points in their route patients may benefit from such programs. A map also helps health systems look at the gaps present in the care journey and informs strategy on potentially buying or partnering with home care companies. It's also important to work out how the program fits into the broader hospital strategy and whether care from home should be used to expand the care base geographically.
Identifying which patient groups to focus on, how the program will enhance existing health system objectives on patient needs, and what unique operational challenges the program presents will help ensure hospital strategy is clear going into the program.
Deciding which elements of the program would benefit from a partnership with an external company and which elements can be managed internally by the health system is another consideration.