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Emerging technology for at-risk chronically ill veterans.
1Florida-Puerto Rico Veterans Sunshine Healthcare Network, USA. mary.huddleston@med.va.gov
Summary
The Tech Care Coordination Program reduced hospital admissions by 45% and nursing home admissions by 67% in older veterans with chronic diseases. This technology-assisted care coordination improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Health Informatics
- Chronic Disease Management
Background:
- Hospitalization poses risks of iatrogenic injury for patients.
- Older veterans with chronic diseases often have high healthcare utilization.
- Effective care coordination is crucial for managing complex health needs.
Observation:
- The Tech Care Coordination Program utilized an in-home technology device (Health Buddy) and risk management software.
- Program staff monitored patients remotely by assessing responses to symptom, behavior, and knowledge-based questions.
- This allowed for proactive identification of patients at high risk.
Findings:
- Patients in the program for ≥6 months saw significant reductions: 45% fewer hospital admissions, 67% fewer nursing home admissions, and 54% fewer emergency room visits.
- A 38% decrease in pharmacy prescriptions was also observed.
- Patients demonstrated improved compliance with treatment regimens.
Implications:
- Remote patient monitoring technology can effectively reduce healthcare utilization and improve outcomes for high-risk populations.
- The Health Buddy system facilitated proactive risk identification and intervention.
- High patient and provider satisfaction suggests the program's value in chronic care management.