Since the onset of the pandemic, health care organizations have been attempting to manage and prevent care-related complications stemming from increased telehealth use. Providers must develop measures that continually ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy.
While this remains a primary concern for the telehealth sector, recent research may prove reassuring to providers and patients alike. A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association found no notable safety differences between telehealth sessions and in-home doctor visits. The study, which took place between August 2019 and March 2020, looked at both patient experience and the occurrence of adverse events. Adverse events can include issues such as physical or psychological complications or elevated lab values.
It is also important to note that this study assessed treatment provided through home hospital care, also known as hospital-at-home care. Provider networks that offer this method of service delivery provide short-term, multidisciplinary care for patients who have acute medical concerns without bringing them to the local hospital.
The study did find that about 20% of patients receiving telehealth services also required adjunctive in-home visits to manage their care. However, there were no concerns found with remote care, which was used to treat patients with asthma-related concerns, infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart failure.
Based on the variation of the conditions treated and the range of demographics that utilized this model, this research lends notable support to such a method of service delivery. While this study was specific to home hospital care, it adds to the reputation of provider networks who incorporate this type of treatment into home health care, home-based outpatient care, and remote patient monitoring.
If you would like to increase the reliability of your own provider network but don’t know where to start, TOG Network Solutions can help. Contact us today to set up a consultation.