Trained health coaches at Elder Services of Merrimack Valley in Lawrence, Mass., visited recently discharged Medicare patients in their homes to assess and identify any health status changes that may increase their risk of readmission. Some health coaches were equipped with tablet-based software that provides suggested questions to ask the patient to help assess their health status. If patients’ answers suggest a decline in health status, the system alerts a nurse care coordinator in real-time who can then help the health coach and the patient address the issue within 24 hours.
The trial project lasted six months. In that time, patients whose health coaches used the tablet-based software had a 39.6 percent reduction in 30-day readmissions, according to the report. The reduction in readmissions also saved an average of $109 per patient per month, totaling net savings of approximately $370,000 over the six-month period.
More articles on mHealth:
Healthgrades, athenahealth partner to offer online appointment scheduling
6 recently launched mHealth apps
FTC raises concerns over security of PHI collected by mobile apps
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.