Cross-sectoral collaboration by telehealth for prevention of acute admissions in elderly

Abstract

Introduction: High age is associated with an increased risk of hospital-demanding disease. In only 20 years, the number of 80+ in Denmark will double from approximately 238,000 in 2015 to 470,000 in 2035. Despite the increasing number of aged persons, the number of hospital beds in Denmark are being reduced as new ‘super-hospitals’ are built across the country. In response, health care delivery organisations and authorities have focused their efforts on avoiding acute short-term ( Description of care practice: Consequently, there is a demanding need for rethinking current practices and finding alternative ways by which it is possible to diagnose potentially acute patients quickly and initiate proper treatment. Building on the existing collaboration and practises in the Danish healthcare system between general practices, home care delivered by the municipalities and secondary care (hospitals) and the technological infrastructure available in Region of Southern Denmark, PAATH (Prevention of Acute Admissions by Telehealth) will facilitate new cross-sectoral procedures that strengthen the collaboration for the benefit of patients (70+). PAATH’s aim is to demonstrate if by utilising existing technological solutions, we can develop and demonstrate a complete process from home-monitoring of patient’s vital signs to remote specialist consultation that can ultimately prevent acute admissions to hospital. Acute team nurses in Svendborg Municipality are equipped with a “GERI-suitcase” containing a range of devices to measure vital signs, blood tests, bladder scan etc. The data from the devices are automatically transferred via a tablet (which also enables real-time video consultation) to a joint IT platform, where the GP, hospital, home care and the patient all have access and are able to see the data. The treating doctor will thus have immediate access to the data and a much clearer picture of the patient’s current situation and thereby a qualified foundation for deciding the treatment and next steps, i.e. if the patient can be treated at home, at the geriatric outpatient clinic or admissions is required. The GERI-suitcase concept is tested for an eight-month period between July 2016 and February 2017. Conclusion and discussion: With the intention of demonstrating the potential in new cross-sectoral work procedures and telehealth supported home-monitoring by acute team for the prevention of acute admissions of elderly medical patients, PAATH began in January 2016 and is in the process of testing the GERI-suitcase in real-life settings. The purpose of PAATH is to demonstrate if it is technically, medically, organisationally and culturally feasible. Effectiveness (reduction in acute admissions, contacts to GP and home care services) will be far more scientifically and rigorously evaluated in further studies that are planned to succeed PAATH.