Importance of home healthcare treatment

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When the first case of Covid-19 was reported in Wuhan, China on 31^st December 2019, nobody expected it to turn into something this serious and have a global effect. Almost one and a half years later, the coronavirus has infected around 22 crore people worldwide, resulting in more than 46 lakh deaths. In India, the figures stood at 3.33 crore and 4.43 lakh respectively on 15^Th September 2021.

While the first wave of the pandemic in India showed the fragile healthcare system, the second wave was even more disastrous. Hospitals were overflowing with patients, many of whom were unable to find a bed for themselves. As a result, people suffering from various other ailments were pushed to opt for home healthcare treatments instead of going to the hospitals.

The condition was so severe that patients requiring treatments, such as physiotherapy, chemotherapy, dialysis, etc. had to take healthcare services at home. Telemedicine consultations also became commonplace.

What is home healthcare treatment?

Home healthcare treatment refers to any medical support or treatment that a person can take at home instead of going to a hospital. With the advancements in technology, it is now possible to conduct even some complex medical treatment procedures at home, without the patient having to go to a hospital.

Home health care is an excellent, cost-effective alternative to hospital care. Service is based on the individual’s needs as defined by his or her doctor’s plan. This may include visits from skilled Nurses, Doctors, and Physiotherapists.

Treating doctor has advised an active line of treatment for which admission in a hospital is required and same can be managed by qualified personnel at home

Examples of home healthcare treatments include:

(i) Wound care or dressing in case of physical injuries – Wound management of pressure sores or a surgical wound

(ii) Injections – Parental Administration 

(iii) Treatment for infectious diseases such as dengue/malaria

(iv) Urinary catheterization

(v) Covid-19 positive patient, clinically assigned as a mild case/ pre-symptomatic case

(vi) Private nursing services

(vii) Health monitoring at home

There are several benefits of availing home healthcare treatments. For example, in cases where the patients’ mobility is compromised, it facilitates proper medical aid within their homes. To understand the importance of home healthcare treatments, we need to first learn about its benefits.

1. Greater Independence for patients

One of the primary advantages of home healthcare treatment is that it allows patients to remain free and independent at their home, unlike what they experience at a hospital. They are able to continue to follow their daily routine and do their everyday tasks, which might not be possible in a hospital setting. This way, they can live independently even during their treatment tenure.

2. Safety, comfort, and convenience

Researches have shown that maximum patients feel safe and comfortable if they are treated at their home rather than a hospital. They are also able to enjoy the convenience and familiarity of their home environment by opting for this route. As a result, a sense of normalcy is maintained in their minds, which is essential for their overall well-being.

3. Easier for family and friends

Home treatment not only benefits the patient, but also their family and friends. Visiting and meeting patients who are under homecare treatment is much easier than visiting them at a hospital where there are no restrictions on visiting hours. Frequent interactions with their loved ones boosts the morale of patients undergoing treatment.

4.Prevents nosocomial infections

Frequent hospital visits can be dangerous for the patients as well as those accompanying them, as there is the risk of communicable diseases or infections. The Covid-19 pandemic has already taught us how dangerous a viral infection can be. Opting for homecare treatment is a great way to prevent nosocomial infections occurring due to frequent hospital trips.

5.Affordable in protracted inpatient care

Opting for home healthcare treatment helps prevent huge hospital bills, room rent charges, doctor’s consultation charges etc. The overall costs for getting treated at home is much lesser than taking the same treatment at a hospital. In case of protracted treatments, the patients are able to save a huge sum of money.

6. Personalised care with 1:1 nurse to patient ratio

Another notable benefit of opting for homecare treatment is that patients are able to get personalised care through a dedicated nurse or medical staff. They are able to get one-on-one medical attention with a treatment plan that is best suited for their health. This makes the treatment process much more effective and quicker.

7.Peace of mind for elderly patients

Studies have shown that approximately 85% of the 60 plus population in India prefer to get treated at their homes rather than going to a hospital. Staying amongst their loved ones provides the elderly patients with peace of mind. It is observed that most elderly people prefer to spend their old age with their family rather than a medical institution.

8. Patients heal faster at home

Patients receiving in-home care usually recover more quickly and hence, have a lower rate of hospital readmission. Lower re-hospitalisation rate among such patients can also be attributed to decreased risk of catching infections, deconditioning due to prolonged inactivity, etc.

9. Less dependence on transport

Sometimes, unavailability of ambulance or other transport means can prevent the patient from reaching hospital on time. This dependency on transport can be eluded by opting for homecare treatment.

The importance of home healthcare

The above points emphasize the importance of home healthcare treatment. Moreover, during the current pandemic, home healthcare has become an even more integral part of healthcare. The risk of catching infections, comfortable recovery time and lower costs have led patients to prefer home treatment rather than going to a hospital.

The change in health insurance underwriting

As homecare treatment became more popular, it is bound to become an indispensable part of healthcare treatment. Most health insurance companies have started covering it through their Mediclaim plans. Some of the expenses covered by health insurance plans under home treatment cover include:

(i) Charges for diagnostic tests undergone at home or diagnostic centre

(ii) Medicines prescribed by a medical practitioner

(iii) Doctor Visit charges

(iv) Nursing charges related to a medical staff

(v) Charges for medical procedures limited to parental administration of medicines

However, one must note that treatments that can be taken on out-patient basis are out of the purview of home care treatment.

Before buying a health plan, it’s always recommended for the policyholders to go through the policy terms and conditions thoroughly. Knowing the inclusions and exclusions is the only way to make a correct choice and avoid any regrets later.

(The author is Chief – Claims, Underwriting and Reinsurance ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited. Views expressed are personal)