Hospital-at-home (HaH) programs, also known as Virtual Wards (VW), are increasingly recognized as a crucial model for the future of patient care. According to Exactitude Consultancy, the global hospital-at-home market, valued at approximately USD 12.02 billion in 2023, is expected to grow to an astounding USD 358.32 billion by 2032¹, reflecting the rapidly increasing adoption of this innovative care model. HaH provides hospital-grade surveillance and care support for patients in the comfort of their homes, typically targeting those with chronic illnesses, post-surgical recovery needs, or conditions like pneumonia and heart failure. Recent research² has demonstrated that HaH programs not only reduce healthcare costs and hospital admissions but also improve patient satisfaction without negatively affecting adverse events or health outcomes.

Hospital-at-home – Key Findings from Recent Research

A meta-analysis² of 20 randomized trials involving over 3,100 patients found significant benefits of HaH programs, particularly in reducing hospital admissions and the need for long-term residential care. Some key findings include:

• Cost Savings: Hospital-at-home programs consistently demonstrated lower costs compared to traditional hospital care, primarily due to the reduction in resource-intensive hospital stays.
• Patient Satisfaction: Many patients preferred receiving care at home, reporting higher satisfaction levels. They felt more comfortable and less anxious, aligning with the trend toward patient-centered care.
• Shorter Duration of Care: Patients treated under HaH generally experienced shorter treatment durations, which could lead to faster recovery and reduced strain on healthcare systems.
• Mortality and Health Outcomes: The study found no significant difference in mortality or health status between patients in HaH programs and those in hospitals, demonstrating the safety and efficacy of HaH for selected patient populations.

Challenges in Implementing Hospital-at-home Programs

Despite these advantages, implementing HaH programs presents several challenges that healthcare providers should address:

1. Patient Selection: Not all patients are suitable candidates for hospital-at-home care. Clinicians must carefully select patients who are stable enough to receive treatment outside of a hospital yet still require continuous monitoring. This often involves patients with long-term chronic conditions or those recovering from surgery.
2. Technology Integration: Remote monitoring and patient management are essential components of HaH, but integrating these systems effectively into existing hospital workflows can be a significant challenge. Ensuring that remote monitoring systems are compatible with hospital electronic health record (EHR) systems is critical for continuity of care.
3. Clinician Training: HaH programs require clinicians to adapt to new modes of care delivery, particularly in utilizing remote monitoring platforms and managing virtual patient interactions. Building confidence through training is crucial for maintaining high standards of care outside the hospital setting.
4. Patient and Caregiver Education: Many patients, particularly elderly individuals, may struggle to set up and use the required technology, such as multiple vital sign devices or inputting their physiological data via tablets. This can be especially difficult for patients in a state of recovery or may not be in the mindset to learn new systems. Providing thorough education and ongoing support is essential to ensure patients and caregivers feel confident using the technology.
5. Maintaining Patient Engagement: Maintaining strong communication channels between all stakeholders is critical as patients are cared for remotely. Regular check-ins and the availability of 24/7 support can help patients feel more secure, especially when they are not in close proximity to healthcare providers.

The Role of UbiqVue Multiparameter in Supporting Hospital-at-home Programs

The UbiqVue Multiparameter Wireless Patient Monitoring System, which incorporates the ground-breaking UbiqVue 1AX Biosensor, offers an end-to-end solution tailored for Hospital-at-home programs. This FDA and MDR-cleared system provides continuous, near real-time monitoring via a single chest-worn device, capturing physiological parameters, including 2-channel ECG, heart rate, respiration rate, skin temperature, and posture. Unlike traditional monitoring devices constrained by hardware limitations, UbiqVue allows an unlimited number of patients to be monitored simultaneously. This scalability ensures that Hospital-at-home programs can quickly expand to meet growing patient needs without compromising on care quality or clinician efficiency. Through the UbiqVue portal, clinical teams can remotely access and review multiple patients’ data in near real-time. Visual alarms and a customizable alert system notify clinicians promptly when vital parameters deviate, enabling timely interventions and proactive care.

Enhancing Patient Autonomy and Comfort

A successful Hospital-at-home program prioritizes patient comfort and ease of use. UbiqVue supports these goals by:

• Eliminating Manual Reporting: Automated data collection from the Biosensor, removes the need for patients to take their own measurements and input or communicate their vital signs manually, reducing stress and simplifying the care process.
• Supporting Mobility: The discreet chest-worn wearable device allows patients to move freely, shower, and sleep without interruption, enhancing their quality of life during recovery.
• Improving Compliance: By removing the need for setting up individual wired devices and manual reporting, patients are more likely to adhere to their care plan with minimal effort.

Proactive, Scalable Monitoring

UbiqVue combines advanced wireless technology with unparalleled scalability, offering unique benefits for clinicians and healthcare systems. Key advantages include:

• Simplified Patient Training: The UbiqVue Biosensor replaces the need of multiple monitoring devices into a single, chest-worn multiparameter Biosensor. This simplifies the training process, requiring only basic instruction on device application and usage, whether conducted by nursing staff or patients themselves. The streamlined approach reduces complexity and improves the efficiency of onboarding.
• Reduced In-Home Visits for Technical Support: The reliability of UbiqVue’s remote patient monitoring system minimizes the need for home visits specifically for troubleshooting or setting up equipment. This allows clinicians to save time and resources while focusing on delivering patient care.
• Seamless Monitoring: The system’s ability to transmit continuous patient physiological data, in near real-time, ensures clinicians have access to accurate, up-to-date patient information. Visual alarms and customizable alerts notify clinicians immediately when vital parameters deviate, enabling early detection of clinical deterioration.
• Scalable Patient Management: The ability to monitor an unlimited number of patients simultaneously, supports the expansion of Hospital-at-home programs without significant infrastructure or hardware investments.

By addressing the operational challenges of Hospital-at-home programs and focusing on enhancing patient care, the UbiqVue Multiparameter System is a transformative tool for remote healthcare delivery. The System empowers clinicians with near real-time insights while providing patients with the comfort, mobility, and peace of mind they need for a successful recovery.