Effective and Lasting Hospital-at-Home Solutions Require Intentional Innovation and Design

A practicing hospitalist emphasizes the importance of intentional innovation and design in developing effective hospital-at-home programs. With the aging population and increasing hospital capacity challenges, these solutions can improve patient outcomes and alleviate pressure on health systems. Key steps include identifying specific problems to address, ensuring top-level buy-in, and fostering collaboration among all team members. Flexibility is crucial, allowing for trial and error as the program evolves. Assembling a diverse team, including a specialized Recovery Care Coordinator, is essential to replicate inpatient care at home. Technology should enhance care delivery, focusing on its role in supporting multiple care levels. Overall, the hospital-at-home model represents a promising direction for the future of healthcare.