Hospital at Home

If you are invited to participate in Virtua Health's new Hospital at Home program, please consult these FAQs to learn more about what you can anticipate. 

What are the benefits of participating in this program?

The concept of Hospital at Home has been around for more than a decade and is quickly gaining momentum at health systems across the country. Research shows that there are many benefits to patients. First, you get to be at home, comfortable, and supported by family. You will also likely get more rest and experience fewer disruptions. Studies also show that, generally, patients prefer this approach to care and recover just as quickly as if they had remained in the hospital.

Why am I eligible for the program?

You are eligible because you meet a series of criteria, including how well you’ve responded to treatment thus far. We feel as though you are making good progress, and would continue to do so from home.

Is participation mandatory?

Participation in the program is optional. We encourage you to think it over and discuss it with your family. Please know that you will always have the option to change your mind and request a return trip to the hospital. Based on national statistics, we think you’ll be happy with your choice and cozier at home.

How will I get home from the hospital?

We offer multiple means for returning you home based on your care needs and personal preferences. If you and your doctor agree you are up for it, a loved one can drive you home in his/her vehicle. If that’s not the best fit, we can see you safely home in a non-emergency medical transport vehicle or ambulance.

How will you monitor my health once I am home?

Think of Hospital at Home as an extension of the care you currently receive within the walls of the hospital. We will continue to monitor your health and progress in a number of important ways.

• We will provide you with an assortment of monitoring devices that are specifically connected to Hospital at Home. What you receive will depend upon your condition and care needs. Our team will work with you – and anyone you designate as a caregiver – to ensure you understand how to use each of the items and the function they serve.

Working together, we will use these devices to track your progress. Virtua experts, working remotely, will monitor the information you supply. Should you have questions, you will literally connect the care team with the touch of a button.

• Additionally, you will have daily virtual consultations with a physician or other licensed provider and periodic virtual check-ins with a Hospital at Home clinical coordinator. We will also connect you with specialists as needed. You may be going beyond our building, but we will bring the hospital to you.

• Home visits from Virtua clinicians are also a core component of Hospital at Home. A Virtua team-member will pay house calls in order to assess your health and have a conversation about your progress. Hospital at Home participants will receive two visits each day in the program.

What if I’m not good with using technology?

We will work alongside you to explain the purpose of each device and how to use it. We will also provide you with printed and digital support materials, and a Hospital at Home representative will be available by phone 24/7. Even if you are not a tech-savvy person, these tools were designed to be as user-friendly as possible.

What is the cost of participating in Hospital at Home?

There is no additional cost to you. Hospital at Home is billed in the same way as traditional inpatient care. The exact costs and details are specific to your insurance plan.

What happens if I stop making progress or feel worse?

With Hospital at Home, you can connect to care 24/7. It can be as simple as pressing a button!

The program features many touchpoints to ensure you are recuperating as planned, including at-home visits and remote monitoring of your health information. You can call the Hospital at Home Command Center at 856-325-4600 at any time if you have a concern about your health condition. Should you want or need to return to the hospital for inpatient care, Virtua can quickly and easily make those arrangements. Of course, if you experience a true medical emergency, you should call 911 immediately.

What if I’m unable to prepare my own meals?

Virtua appreciates that a nutritious, balanced diet is a core component to a person’s ability to heal and feel their best. The Hospital at Home program includes an optional meal service, and patients who would like to receive three meals a day – premade and delivered to the door – are encouraged to participate.

Can I leave home while participating in Hospital at Home?

For your health and safety, we require that you remain at home while participating in this program. Your care team can provide you with personalized guidance on your level of activity within the home as you heal.

What happens if I require bloodwork or physical therapy or additional care?

Hospital at Home is fully integrated into Virtua’s portfolio of health services. We will be glad to connect you to any additional services you may require and will make the process as simple as possible so you can focus on getting well. This could include a video consultation with a physical therapist, for instance, or having a mobile x-ray technician visit you at home.

Think of Hospital at Home as an extension of your time receiving inpatient care. Therefore, we want to introduce you to the people who will support you and the function of their roles. Each person, regardless of job title, is your advocate and helper on the path to recovery.

Hospital-at-Home Clinicians

A member of our Hospital at Home team will visit your home; this person is likely a registered nurse, paramedic, or similarly certified health professional. You can anticipate two visits each day initially. Your care providers will discuss the timing of each visit with you directly.

During these visits, your home care clinician will run simple tests, record relevant data, and discuss any questions or concerns you may have. Please wear a facemask when the home care provider is visiting, and please instruct other members of your household to wear a mask as well.

Remote Consultation Providers

A physician or other licensed provider will check in with you remotely, ideally by video call so they can hear and see you. This provides the expert with insights into your recovery and the opportunity to alter or adjust your plan-of-care if necessary.

Hospital at Home Command Center

The Hospital at Home Command Center is available to you 24/7. We ask that direct non-urgent questions to your hospital-at-home clinicians, but know that a clinical coordinator is at-the-ready whenever you may need to speak with someone. In fact, you can expect hearing from a clinical coordinator at regular, established intervals. You can call the Hospital at Home Command Center at 856-325-4600 at any time if you have a concern about your health condition.

You will receive a few specialized devices and tools to assist with your recuperation and keep you connected to Virtua – even from your bedroom! Below is an overview of the Hospital at Home equipment. You may not receive every item listed below, as some may not be applicable to your care needs. Remember, Virtua will retrieve these devices upon your discharge from Hospital at Home. Please take good care of them.

Tablet

The Hospital at Home tablet is the primary connection tool between you and your care team and serves a variety of functions. It will prompt you to take your vitals based on you care plan, provide educational videos on how to use those devices, allow you upload vitals to your care team, and be your on-demand video and call tool for your daily telehealth visits with your designated care provider(s).

Pulse Oximeter

A pulse oximeter measures the oxygen level of the blood. This is an important data point, as it tells us how well oxygen is coursing through your body, particularly in your arms and legs (which are furthest from your heart). You will place the clip-like portion of the device on your body as recommended by your care team (likely the finger, perhaps the ear lobe). The pulse oximeter then measures your oxygen levels quickly and painlessly. Please record and upload your results as instructed.

Other devices include:

Blood Pressure Monitor
Scale
Glucometer
Thermometer