Home healthcare services reimagining patient care says institute
LONDON: The healthcare sector is undergoing significant changes with the influx of mobile applications and Electronic Health Systems (EHS) that store vast amounts of data, says Dr Charu Dutt Arora, Consultant and Head, AmeriHealth Home Healthcare, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, in an exclusive interaction with Kaanchi Chawla of Elets News Network (ENN).
Could you share with us your experience of working with the Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, how AmeriHealth Home Healthcare has evolved over the years, and what has been your role in its growth?
I joined the Asian Institute of Medical Sciences in 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the Asian Hospital, we established AmeriHealth Home Healthcare, as a key vertical. Asian Hospital is renowned as one of the leading healthcare brands in the country and is recognised as a beacon of hope for technology and healthcare nationwide.
Looking ahead, we anticipate the upcoming years to be critical for post-hospital recovery, acute care at home, senior care, and other services that prioritise people’s comfort. The lessons learned from Covid have emphasized the effectiveness and productivity of delivering healthcare in the comfort of one’s home.
Under the guidance of our Chairman, Dr. N K Pandey, we established this department in 2021, and since then, it has experienced significant growth. We have received tremendous love and support from various parts of the country, and our performance continues to excel.
Can you share some success stories of AmeriHealth Home Healthcare that showcase its impact on patient care and outcomes?
Certainly. I take great pride in the fact that many patients benefit from home healthcare. Some people still perceive it as a standardisd and an organised approach to providing healthcare in their own homes. However, when it comes to rehabilitation, I witness young patients recovering from strokes and bedridden patients receiving comprehensive care from nursing caregivers, attendants, as well as physiotherapy and speech therapy.
Let me share the story of a 58-year-old patient who had a remarkable journey. He had a successful professional life but experienced a traumatic road traffic accident in 2021. This accident resulted in multiple fractures and required several surgeries, leaving him bedridden for six to seven months. However, with the support of nursing care, his devoted family, speech and swallow therapists addressing his tongue movements and swallowing, dietary guidance from a nutritionist, regular doctor visits, and physiotherapy, we started seeing significant improvements in his condition.
How do you see the role of technology shaping the future of home healthcare services and what steps are you taking for that?
Technology is revolutionising the healthcare landscape, much like how it transformed the hospitality industry with platforms like Swiggy and Zomato. The healthcare sector is also undergoing significant changes with the influx of mobile applications and Electronic Health Systems (EHS) that store vast amounts of data. In the home healthcare industry, a notable transformation is occurring through controlled remote monitoring.
At AmeriHealth Home Healthcare, we utilise software to remotely monitor critically ill patients, even those residing in different parts of the world. Through this monitoring, we assess fall risks, detect signs of agitation, and identify prolonged periods of immobility, which could indicate a potential development of bedsores or pressure ulcers. In some cases, we can even adjust ventilator settings virtually, informing the patient’s family of the necessary changes. Technology is fundamentally reshaping the entire healthcare industry, particularly when it comes to patient care at home, where it plays a pivotal role.
Can you talk about any upcoming projects or initiatives at AmeriHealth Home Healthcare that you are excited about?
The year 2023 has begun with tremendous momentum. I’ve had the privilege of attending significant conferences and engaging with highly dynamic and intellectually stimulating individuals from various sectors of the industry. Through this platform, I would like to share that our organisation is now expanding its reach to different parts of the country. While we have already been serving numerous areas in Delhi NCR, we are now venturing into major cities as well. We will be unveiling further details in the near future.
Additionally, we are actively undergoing standardisation processes to ensure compliance with various quality protocols. As a result, we anticipate offering significant services not only for senior care but for individuals of all age groups.
