SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Advancing Care in the Home: Hospitalists Hone Advanced Care Model in the Home to Further Augment Effectiveness and Scalability

Pdf Summary

This document describes an advanced “Hospital at Home” model designed and led by hospitalists to deliver hospital-level care in patients’ homes. It builds on more than 20 years of HaH experience in the U.S. and responds to growing demand for value-based care, improved technology, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The model aims to improve outcomes such as reducing unnecessary emergency visits, avoiding hospital admissions and post-acute facility use, lowering hospital-acquired complications and deconditioning, and supporting goal-concordant, patient-centered care.<br /><br />A key challenge for HaH programs has been scaling them effectively because of complex logistics, supply chain needs, workforce coordination, and payment barriers. This program addresses those issues by leveraging DispatchHealth’s existing in-home medical practice infrastructure and standardized operational protocols. It also emphasizes collaboration with payer partners to support expansion.<br /><br />Reported outcomes are strong: a 6% 30-day readmission rate, 7% escalation to high-acuity emergency care, 0% unexpected mortality, and intervention on at least one social determinant of health barrier in 67% of episodes. The program also reports about $5,000 in medical cost savings per patient episode compared with traditional hospital admission, along with very high satisfaction scores from patients (NPS 97) and primary care providers (NPS 100).<br /><br />The program started in Denver in 2019 and now operates in more than 40 U.S. cities. It has standardized processes for imaging, medications, oxygen, durable medical equipment, and skilled clinical support. Growth has been rapid, with 140% episode growth in 2021 and a projected 300% growth in 2022. The conclusion is that hospitalists are well positioned to innovate and scale safe, effective advanced care in the home.

Asset Subtitle

Manuel J. Diaz

Meta Tag

Author List Lindsay McGuiness, Manuel J. Diaz, Megan Faga, Patrick P. Kneeland

Category Innovations

Concept Home-Based Acute Care

Concept Hospital-level Care

Concept Goal-Concordant Care

Concept Home Care

Concept Emergency Department Visits

Distinguished Finalist

Presenter Organization DispatchHealth

Presenting Author Manuel J. Diaz

Track Value in Hospital Medicine

Keywords

Hospital at Home

hospitalist-led care

in-home acute care

value-based care

patient-centered care

care at home

readmission reduction

social determinants of health

healthcare cost savings

DispatchHealth

Home-Based Acute Care

Hospital-level Care

Goal-Concordant Care

Home Care

Emergency Department Visits