Mobile Integrated Health: Reducing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Hospitalizations Through Novel Outpatient Care Initiatives

Abstract

Objective: To develop a process through which Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) can treat patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at high risk for readmission in an outpatient setting. In turn, South Shore Hospital (SSH) looks to leverage Mill to improve hospital flow, decrease costs, and improve patient quality of life. Method: With the recent approval of hospital-based MIH programs in Massachusetts, SSH used MIH to target specific patient demographics in an at-home setting. Here, we describe the planning and implementation of this program tor patients with COPD. Key components to success include collaboration among providers, early follow-up visits, patient education, and in-depth medical reconciliations. Analysis includes a retrospective examination Of a Structured COPD outpatient pathway Results: A total of 214 patients with COPD were treated with MIH from March 2, 2020, to August 1, 2021. Eighty-seven emergent visits were conducted, and more than 650 total visits were made. A more intensive outpatient pathway was implemented for patients deemed to be at the highest risk for readmission by pulmonary specialists. Conclusion: This process can serve as a template for future institutions to treat patients with COPD using MIH of similar hospital-at-home services.