URGENT UPDATE: A groundbreaking study reveals that home hospital care significantly enhances healthcare delivery for patients in rural areas of the United States. Conducted by researchers from Mass General Brigham and Ariadne Labs, the findings, published in JAMA Network Open, indicate this innovative approach could be a crucial solution for rural patients facing obstacles to traditional hospital care.
The study, involving 161 adults requiring inpatient treatment for acute conditions, underscores the pressing need for improved healthcare models in rural communities. With over 150 rural hospital closures since 2010, many patients struggle with long travel times and limited access to essential medical services.
Dr. David Levine, Clinical Director of Research & Development at Mass General Brigham Healthcare at Home, stated,
“Hospital-level care delivered in patients’ homes has improved healthcare delivery in urban settings but may fill an even greater need in rural areas.”
The study involved patients from three healthcare facilities: Blessing Hospital in Illinois, Hazard Appalachian Regional Healthcare in Kentucky, and Wetaskiwin Hospital in Canada.
Patients were randomized into two groups: one receiving traditional hospital care and the other receiving home hospital care, which included twice-daily visits from healthcare professionals and daily virtual check-ins with a physician. Remarkably, the home care patients exhibited less sedentary behavior, averaging 700 more steps per day compared to those in hospitals. Additionally, patient satisfaction soared, with a net promoter score of 88.4 for home care versus 45.5 for hospital care.
Crucially, the study found no significant cost difference between the two care models. However, patients who transitioned to home care after less than three days in a hospital experienced a 27% lower cost, highlighting the financial benefits of early discharge. Importantly, readmission rates and safety outcomes were comparable across both groups, demonstrating the viability of this model.
As rural healthcare faces a crisis, the researchers are advocating for the development of home hospital programs to better serve communities. According to Dr. Levine,
“We hope others can use this research to take action in their communities.”
The team is also exploring the creation of a mobile clinic housed in an electric vehicle to deliver hospital-level care directly to rural patients.
This innovative model of care could reshape how rural healthcare is delivered, empowering patients and reducing the burden on traditional hospital systems. As the study continues to gain traction, healthcare leaders and policymakers are urged to consider this transformative approach to address the ongoing rural healthcare crisis.
For more details, refer to the full study by Dr. Levine and colleagues in JAMA Network Open. This research could signal a new era for rural healthcare, promising improved access and quality of care for those who need it most.
