HOSPITAL-AT-HOME
How remote patient monitoring is redefining clinical aftercare
How remote patient monitoring is redefining clinical aftercare
In Germany, discharge from hospital often marks the end of care. The patient is discharged into a vacuum characterised by unclear responsibilities, a lack of control and high relapse rates. For hospitals, this means unnecessary readmissions, rising costs and dissatisfied patients.
But there has long been a better solution - both medically and economically:
Telemedicine and hospital-at-home programmes close the care gap between hospital and home.
Hospital-at-Home: Clinical control without a hospital bed
The challenges in everyday hospital life are well known: rising patient numbers, a shortage of skilled staff, limited bed capacity. At the same time, there is growing pressure to ensure quality of care and patient safety - even after discharge.
This is precisely where telemedicine Hospital-at-home programmes to:
- The interplay of telemedical infrastructure, mobile care services and medical supervision makes it possible to Inpatient equivalent care at home.
- Key elements include the continuous recording and transmission of vital parameters (remote patient monitoring), digital rounds via video and automated limit value alarms that enable a rapid response to changes.
- Depending on the illness, vital parameters such as pulse, blood pressure or lung function are continuously monitored clinically via telemonitoring.
- Stabilised patients with heart or lung disease who have a safe home environment are particularly suitable.
Hospital-at-home therefore enables close-knit and efficient digital aftercare - without a hospital bed, but with clinical standards.
3 reasons why clinics should focus on digital care models now
- The future of patient care is hybrid
Telemedical hospital-at-home programmes enable modern, patient-centred care that brings hospital standards into the living room. Those who invest today are positioning themselves as pioneers in a healthcare system that is increasingly focussing on outpatient, digital and flexible care models.
- Resource bottlenecks in clinics require new care pathways
In the face of cost pressure, a shortage of specialist staff and overcrowded hospitals, telemonitoring programmes offer an effective way of conserving inpatient capacity without compromising on quality. Telemonitoring ensures safety and control - even outside the hospital walls.
- Patient satisfaction becomes a competitive factor
Studies show: Patients feel more comfortable in a familiar environment, recover more quickly and experience fewer complications. Clinics that offer such programmes not only strengthen their brand, but also the bond with their patients.
Telemedicine in hospitals: 2 examples from Germany
Example 1:
The Telemedicine centre of the Robert Bosch Hospital cares for patients with chronic heart failure and COPD. The combination of vital data monitoring and personal telephone support enables close follow-up care - with positive effects on quality of life and security of care
Example 2:
The Telemedicine centre at the TUM Klinikum rechts der Isar is one of the first DGK-certified cardiac telemedicine centres in Germany.
It monitors patients around the clock using implanted devices and external sensors. In the event of abnormal findings, immediate feedback is provided - often on the same day.
Shaping digitalisation now - with a tailwind from the Hospital Care Improvement Act
The German healthcare system is facing profound change - and hospitals now have the opportunity to play an active role in shaping it. With the Hospital Care Improvement Act (KHVVG), the legislator is creating the basis for modern, digitally networked and high-quality inpatient care. At the centre of this is the newly created transformation fund, which will be jointly financed by the federal and state governments with up to 50 billion euros is equipped.1
Eligible projects include
- Interoperable IT systems and digital infrastructure
- Telemedicine applications and cross-sector care solutions
- Digital documentation and process automation
Hospitals that are now investing in sustainable care models such as Hospital at Home or Telemonitoring They improve care and secure financial support - before new quality requirements and structural specifications become binding.
Now is the right time to:
- Targeting funding applications towards digital and cross-sector innovations
- develop interdisciplinary digitalisation strategies
- create sustainable structures for networked, quality-orientated patient care
Source:
1 Federal Ministry of Health: Hospital Care Improvement Act (KHVVG)
Into the future of clinical aftercare
The SaniQ OS telemedicine platform enables clinics to provide structured, digital aftercare - for earlier discharges, fewer readmissions and more satisfied patients.
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