A doctor, nurse, and other team members care for the patient using both in-person home visits and virtual visits (phone and/or video). The team also uses technology to monitor the patient. Hospital at Home care is short-term (on average, 3-7 days) and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Northern Health is currently trialing Hospital at Home in Prince George, through the University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC).

How it works:

• If you need to go to hospital and you’re eligible for the program, you might be asked if you’d like to use Hospital at Home. You might also be asked if you’d like to be part of Hospital at Home while you’re already in the hospital.

• Using Hospital at Home is optional; we understand that you might prefer to go to hospital.

• If you choose to use Hospital at Home, the care team will look after you both in person at your home, and by virtual care (phone/video). The team is made up of doctors, nurses, licensed practical nurses (LPN’s), pharmacists, social workers and respiratory therapists.

• Most of your care will happen in your home. However, you’ll still be registered as a hospital patient. If your condition gets worse, or if you need more tests or scans, your care team will help arrange transportation to the hospital.

Benefits:

• You can sleep in your own bed

• You’re in a comfortable, familiar environment

• It’s a more patient-centred approach to hospital care

• There are lower rates of hospital-based complications (e.g., infection, delirium, or blood clots)

• It helps reduce the pressure on hospital beds and emergency departments

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