First Illinois hospital program providing paramedic followup at home

Excerpts from DailyHerald.com:

Sherman Hospital has taken a pioneering step in Illinois by becoming the first hospital in the state to receive approval for mobile integrated health care. This innovative approach involves paramedics providing medical services outside of traditional hospital settings. In addition, five hospitals in Rockford, Peoria, and Champaign have partnered with local fire departments and ambulance services to expand this mobile health initiative.

The Sherman program focuses on weekly home visits for 30 days for patients who have recently been discharged from the hospital. The primary goal is to reduce readmission rates. Eligible patients include those who have survived heart attacks or are dealing with conditions such as pneumonia, diabetes, asthma, heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Launched in late December, the program is available at no cost to patients, regardless of their insurance status. Ken Snow, a paramedic from Advocate Sherman Hospital who leads the initiative alongside a part-time colleague, emphasized the program's supportive nature.

"We review the discharge plan and go over medications. I conduct an assessment and provide education so patients understand their condition and how to manage it at home," he explained. "Afterward, I send a report back to their primary care physician."

While mobile integrated health care is still new in Illinois, it has already gained traction in states like Minnesota, Michigan, Arizona, and California. A special committee spent approximately two years developing a mobile integrated health plan for the Illinois Department of Public Health, which was approved last year by the department’s emergency medical services advisory council.

According to national data, mobile care has proven effective in reducing hospital readmissions, especially in areas where access to healthcare is limited or traditional home health services are unavailable.

Valerie Phillips, co-chair of the committee, addressed early concerns about whether the program would replace traditional home health services. "Absolutely not," she said. "This service is designed to fill a gap for people who aren’t eligible for home health care, have declined it, or can’t afford it. It’s a niche offering."

So far, 22 patients have participated in the Sherman program. Ten have successfully completed the 30-day period without being readmitted, while two were readmitted and others dropped out for various reasons. This results in a 9% readmission rate, compared to 12% among similar patients in 2015, according to hospital data.

Tina Link, director of community outreach at the hospital, noted that early results show patients who fully commit to the program are more likely to avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations. "As we visit more patients, we gain insights into potential barriers that might affect their success," she added. "We’re continuously working to address these challenges and improve the program."

Thanks, Dan

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