In the realm of healthcare, the challenges we face are diverse and ever-evolving. Providing effective care to patient populations with diverse needs requires an ability to think outside the box.
Sarah Cameron, LCSW, recently sat down with Allisha Rutherford from Heritage Health to discuss how they embraced nontraditional approaches to expand healthcare access and overcome barriers that prevent patients from receiving the care they need.
Watch a clip from their conversation:
Embracing Nontraditional Approaches
In the above clip, Rutherford emphasizes the importance of tailoring healthcare to the unique circumstances of their patients. In working with unhoused patients, the elderly, individuals with behavioral health issues, and others with unique needs, their team understands that a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t suffice. They have gone the extra mile by embracing nontraditional methods to ensure care is accessible. This mindset has become an everyday practice for their teams, reaffirming their commitment to serving the community.
Cameron shares a similar perspective on the significance of maximizing the time patients spend with their providers. Recognizing the barriers that often prevent regular visits, TimeDoc Health aims to bridge this gap by providing support between appointments. By understanding the patient’s goals and partnering with them, TimeDoc Health assists in overcoming barriers and making progress in their healthcare journey. This approach not only saves valuable time during appointments, but also accelerates the overall process of achieving positive outcomes.
Expanding Healthcare Access with RPM
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety concerns associated with visiting healthcare facilities have become even more apparent. Rutherford highlights that for certain patients, it is neither feasible nor safe to visit clinics due to the risk of exposure. To address this challenge, Heritage Health has begun exploring the possibility of reimbursable home visits, ensuring patients receive the care they need in a safe environment. This expansion of services not only enhances accessibility but also prevents potential harm that could result from patients neglecting their healthcare needs.
Remote patient monitoring has emerged as a valuable tool in expanding access to healthcare. Rutherford explains that this technology allows healthcare providers to monitor patients remotely, eliminating the need for frequent visits. By utilizing remote patient monitoring, providers can keep a close eye on patients’ well-being without requiring them to come into the clinic. This innovation has proven particularly beneficial for those who face transportation challenges or reside in remote areas, ultimately enabling them to receive care that may have otherwise been unattainable.
Developing Flexible Programs with TimeDoc Health
Heritage Health’s story highlights the importance of embracing nontraditional approaches to expand healthcare access. By recognizing the unique needs of patients and adapting their practices accordingly, these organizations demonstrate a commitment to providing quality care, irrespective of the challenges at hand. Whether it be meeting patients where they are or offering remote patient monitoring between appointments, these innovative strategies ultimately contribute to better healthcare outcomes and a more inclusive healthcare system for all.
