The hospital at home in the USA: current status and future prospects

The hospital at home in the USA: current status and future prospects

2024 | Jay A. Pandit, Jeff B. Pawelek, Bruce Leff & Eric J. Topol
The Hospital at Home (HaH) model, which provides acute-level hospital care at home, has gained traction in the US over the past two decades, driven by technological advancements in remote monitoring, wearable sensors, and health information technology. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated its adoption, as reimbursement waivers made it financially viable for hospitals and payors. Despite this, HaH faces challenges in widespread adoption, including regulatory, financial, and logistical barriers. The model has shown promise in reducing hospital readmissions, improving patient satisfaction, and lowering costs, with evidence from studies in the US and globally indicating noninferior or superior outcomes compared to traditional inpatient care for certain conditions. However, more research is needed to evaluate long-term clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness beyond the pandemic. HaH programs have evolved from in-person care to virtual and hybrid models, leveraging digital tools for remote monitoring and virtual physician visits. While the model has demonstrated feasibility and effectiveness, challenges remain in integrating HaH into mainstream healthcare, including data interoperability, reimbursement models, and addressing the needs of diverse patient populations. The future of HaH depends on overcoming these challenges through technological innovation, policy support, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure it becomes a sustainable alternative to traditional inpatient care.The Hospital at Home (HaH) model, which provides acute-level hospital care at home, has gained traction in the US over the past two decades, driven by technological advancements in remote monitoring, wearable sensors, and health information technology. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated its adoption, as reimbursement waivers made it financially viable for hospitals and payors. Despite this, HaH faces challenges in widespread adoption, including regulatory, financial, and logistical barriers. The model has shown promise in reducing hospital readmissions, improving patient satisfaction, and lowering costs, with evidence from studies in the US and globally indicating noninferior or superior outcomes compared to traditional inpatient care for certain conditions. However, more research is needed to evaluate long-term clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness beyond the pandemic. HaH programs have evolved from in-person care to virtual and hybrid models, leveraging digital tools for remote monitoring and virtual physician visits. While the model has demonstrated feasibility and effectiveness, challenges remain in integrating HaH into mainstream healthcare, including data interoperability, reimbursement models, and addressing the needs of diverse patient populations. The future of HaH depends on overcoming these challenges through technological innovation, policy support, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure it becomes a sustainable alternative to traditional inpatient care.
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