Proposing a Framework to Model Hospital in the Home Programs

Abstract

The Australian health system is continuing to face challenges driven by an ageing population, increasing chronic disease burden, health equity, access issues, workforce and infrastructure gaps, and changing consumer expectations. The global pandemic highlighted pressures in the system with many hospitals experiencing considerable bed shortages and challenges to meet demand in the acute hospital setting. Hospital in the Home (HITH) is a solution a number of hospitals have adopted to address this challenge. HITH enables acute admitted care to be delivered to patients in their own home. Care can be provided in person or using digital technology such as telehealth. This study employs a case study method and collects data from six Australian health districts, namely, Western Health, Northern Health, Barwon Health, Alfred Health, Gold Coast Health and Northern Sydney Local Health. The qualitative analysis of the secondary data collected from these cases has informed a new framework for managing HITH initiatives in hospitals. This framework has 5 elements namely, Programs, Governance, Technology, Services, and Referrals. Implications of findings for practitioners are also provided herein.