Key Takeaways
- The home-based care industry is well-positioned to improve care coordination and enhance patient care through the use of technology and addressing social determinants of health.
- Care coordination must be implemented across the entire healthcare system, including primary care, and enabled by AI.
- Home-based care providers face challenges in implementing care coordination, including integrating multiple technology systems and employee training.
- Reimbursement remains a barrier to expanding coordinated healthcare delivery, and providers must consider social determinants of health, such as transportation and access to food.
- The healthcare system has an opportunity to adopt new technologies and catch up to other industries that have been quicker to implement cutting-edge tools.
Introduction to Home-Based Care
The home-based care industry is uniquely equipped to improve care coordination and enhance care for patients. According to Ruth Raskas, president and chief operating officer at LiveWell Partners, home-based care providers have the opportunity to determine which types of care are most appropriate for their patients, whether it be physical therapy, speech therapy, or other services. This unique, clear clinical pathway to help someone get better is a tremendous opportunity for home-based care providers. LiveWell Partners, an independent home health and hospice provider operating in five states, is actively working to improve care coordination and is also thinking about growth strategies.
The Importance of Care Coordination
Care coordination has been a strategic priority for other home-based care entities, including the National Alliance for Care at Home, which has called out care coordination as one of its priorities. Chicago-based home care provider Help at Home has also implemented a care coordination program designed to identify client needs and predict unforeseen events. For care coordination to function most effectively, it must be implemented across the entire healthcare system, including primary care, and enabled by AI. However, Raskas acknowledges that AI has its limitations and is not a panacea for all challenges in healthcare.
Challenges in Implementing Care Coordination
Home-based care providers have expressed concerns with practical implementation, including integrating multiple technology systems and employee training. In a recent survey, respondents listed these challenges as barriers to implementing analytics and market intelligence tools. LiveWell is currently beta-testing one AI technology, medication reconciliation, which enables the provider to electronically enter medications into a patient’s clinical folder. The company has also standardized its technology platform across its five-state footprint. Despite these efforts, reimbursement remains a barrier to expanding coordinated healthcare delivery, and providers must consider social determinants of health, such as transportation and access to food.
The Role of Technology in Care Coordination
The healthcare system overall has an opportunity to adopt new technologies and catch up to other industries that have been quicker to implement cutting-edge tools. Raskas believes that AI can play a critical role in care coordination, but it is not a replacement for human judgment and clinical expertise. While AI can help identify patterns and predict outcomes, it is not a substitute for the nuanced and complex decision-making that healthcare professionals must make. LiveWell’s experience with medication reconciliation technology is a good example of how AI can be used to improve care coordination, but it is just one part of a larger effort to improve patient care.
Addressing Social Determinants of Health
Providers promoting care coordination must also consider social determinants of health, such as transportation and access to food. These factors can have a significant impact on patient outcomes and must be addressed in order to provide comprehensive care. Raskas believes that home-based care providers are well-positioned to address these social determinants, as they are often the ones who have the most direct contact with patients and their families. By considering these factors and working to address them, home-based care providers can provide more comprehensive and effective care to their patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the home-based care industry is uniquely equipped to improve care coordination and enhance patient care through the use of technology and addressing social determinants of health. While there are challenges to implementing care coordination, including integrating multiple technology systems and employee training, the benefits of improved patient care and outcomes make it a worthwhile effort. As the healthcare system continues to evolve, it is likely that home-based care providers will play an increasingly important role in care coordination, and it is essential that they are equipped with the tools and resources they need to succeed. By prioritizing care coordination and addressing social determinants of health, home-based care providers can provide high-quality, patient-centered care that improves outcomes and enhances the overall healthcare experience.