Saint Francis and DispatchHealth Pioneer Hospital-Level Care at Home in Oklahoma
A new partnership is bringing hospital-level care directly to patients’ homes in Oklahoma, offering a potential solution to access challenges and rising healthcare costs. The collaboration between DispatchHealth and Saint Francis Health System aims to redefine recovery, particularly for those in rural and underserved communities.
Expanding Access Through Hospital-at-Home Programs
Saint Francis Health System, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and DispatchHealth have launched a joint venture to deliver comprehensive hospital-at-home services. This innovative model allows patients to receive care equivalent to a traditional hospital stay – or a portion of one – within the comfort of their own residences. The initiative is designed to address critical gaps in healthcare access, especially for individuals who face geographical or socioeconomic barriers to traditional hospital care.
Meg Zacks, senior vice president and chief strategy officer for Saint Francis Health System, emphasized the strategic advantages of this approach. “For us, it’s a way to expand access for this new level of care at a really low capital investment in comparison to new bed towers – which we’re also opening and expanding for those that need to be transferred in from the region for a higher level of care,” Zacks explained. “At the same time, we’re extending our mission into the home for those who don’t necessarily need to be in a brick-and-mortar setting.”
Saint Francis, a Catholic, not-for-profit health system employing over 12,000 individuals, sees this program as a key component of its broader strategy to improve health outcomes and reduce the total cost of care for the population of eastern Oklahoma. The hospital-at-home model represents a significant shift in how healthcare is delivered, prioritizing patient convenience and personalized attention.
How Hospital-at-Home Works: A Comprehensive Approach
Currently, the program is equipped to support five to six patients simultaneously, with ambitious plans for expansion. The service leverages two Saint Francis campuses and a virtual unit capable of managing approximately 40 patients daily. Eligibility for the program is determined on a case-by-case basis, with roughly 30 to 50 patients identified as potential candidates each day.
The program’s success hinges on a dedicated team that provides comprehensive support, from explaining the process and assisting with transportation to setting up necessary technology for 24/7 communication with care teams. Crucially, the care extends beyond remote monitoring; teams visit patients’ homes at least twice daily – and often more frequently – to deliver treatment, assess progress, and provide personal care support, including meals.
Pippa Shulman, chief medical officer of DispatchHealth, highlighted the continuity of care. “We are sending teams to home at minimum twice daily, but in some cases, much more than that, to deliver and assess that treatment and how their response to treatment is going,” Shulman stated. “And if patients need extra support for personal care, we can also provide that as well. Patients are offered meals, so all the things that you would get in the brick and mortar hospital, you get in the comfort and safety of your own home, where people really want to heal.”
DispatchHealth: A Leader in the Hospital-at-Home Revolution
DispatchHealth, founded in 2013, has emerged as a leading provider of hospital-at-home services, operating across 20 states. The company’s recent merger with Medically Home signaled a significant consolidation in the industry. Following the merger, DispatchHealth restructured its operations, demonstrating the dynamic nature of this evolving healthcare landscape.
Despite these adjustments, DispatchHealth remains committed to expanding access to high-quality, in-home care. Shulman emphasized that the clinical care provided through the hospital-at-home model is equivalent to that offered in a traditional hospital setting, but requires specialized expertise in delivering care within a patient’s home environment. When entering new markets, DispatchHealth prioritizes building a seamless care ecosystem.
“We are really excited to partner with St Francis Health, because of the opportunity for patients in rural and underserved areas,” Shulman said. “I believe that we’ll be able to expand with Saint Francis as they’re getting experience in the model, and as patients are getting used to this kind of care. It may require us to come up with new ways that we are expanding to more far-flung areas.”
Addressing the challenges of providing care in remote locations is a key focus. This includes considering workforce solutions to support care teams operating in rural environments. The initial phase of the program focuses on a 20-mile radius around the Tulsa metro area, ensuring medical teams can reach patients within a 30-minute drive. However, Saint Francis envisions a long-term expansion to serve rural communities, recognizing that 60% of its patients come from outside Tulsa County and could potentially benefit from this service.
Could hospital-at-home models be the key to bridging the healthcare gap for rural populations? What innovative solutions will be needed to overcome logistical challenges in expanding these programs to more remote areas?
Further information on the benefits of hospital-at-home care can be found at the American Hospital Association and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hospital-at-Home Care
A: Hospital-at-home programs can effectively manage a range of conditions, including heart failure, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and infections, among others. The suitability of a patient for this model is determined by a medical assessment.
A: Coverage for hospital-at-home care is expanding. Medicare currently covers certain hospital-at-home services, and many private insurers are beginning to offer similar coverage. It’s essential to verify coverage with your specific insurance provider.
A: Studies have shown that hospital-at-home care can deliver comparable, and in some cases, superior outcomes to traditional hospital care, with reduced rates of infection and improved patient satisfaction.
A: Hospital-at-home programs utilize a variety of technologies, including remote patient monitoring devices, telehealth platforms, and mobile communication tools, to enable continuous monitoring and communication between patients and their care teams.
A: Patients often experience increased comfort, reduced risk of infection, and greater independence while recovering in their own homes. This model also allows for more personalized care and greater involvement of family members.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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