What are the requirements for a hospital bed at home?

From the Guidelines

A hospital bed at home is required when a patient has limited mobility, requires elevation of the head or feet, needs assistance getting in and out of bed, or requires specialized care that's easier to provide on an adjustable surface, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. To determine the requirements for a hospital bed at home, several factors must be considered, including the patient's medical stability, the ability of family caregivers to provide care, and the availability of durable medical equipment (DME) and technical support.

Key Considerations

• The patient must be medically stable for discharge, with no significant changes to ventilator settings or oxygen requirements for at least several days or weeks before discharge 1.
• Family caregivers must demonstrate the willingness and ability to care for the patient, including competency in delivering prescribed therapies, caring for the patient's tracheostomy, and responding to emergencies 1.
• A DME company must be available to provide the required equipment and technical support, including 24-hour availability and same-day replacement of malfunctioning equipment 1.
• The home environment must be safe and allow access to routine and urgent care as needed, with a functioning phone, a formal safety plan, and easy access to the patient at all times 1.

Equipment Requirements

• The hospital bed should include features like adjustable height, head and foot elevation capabilities, and side rails for safety 1.
• Additional accessories like pressure-relieving mattresses, overbed tables, and trapeze bars may be considered based on specific needs.
• The equipment should be portable, durable, and simple to use, with alternative power sources in case of mains failure 1.

Acquisition and Cost

• To acquire a hospital bed, contact your healthcare provider for a prescription, then work with your insurance company as many plans cover hospital beds under durable medical equipment benefits 1.
• Medicare typically covers 80% of the approved amount if deemed medically necessary.
• If purchasing privately, expect costs between $500-$3,000 depending on features.

Benefits

• Hospital beds improve patient comfort, reduce caregiver strain, prevent complications like pressure ulcers and respiratory issues, and facilitate better healing through proper positioning 1.

From the Research

Requirements for a Hospital Bed at Home

To determine the requirements for a hospital bed at home, it is essential to consider the concept of Hospital at Home (HaH) care. HaH is a paradigm shift in the standard way to administer acute care, providing hospital-level care in the patient's home 2. The following are some key points to consider:

• Patient Selection: HaH is suitable for elderly patients with chronic conditions and multiple comorbidities 3.
• Care Team: A multidisciplinary team, including physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, is necessary to provide HaH care 3.
• Equipment and Technology: HaH requires the use of remote patient monitoring, telehealth, and other technologies to provide hospital-level care at home 2, 4.
• Training and Education: Specific training for healthcare professionals and patient and family caregiver education are necessary for HaH treatment protocols 3.
• Cost and Reimbursement: HaH may be a cost-effective alternative to traditional hospital care, with studies showing reduced costs and improved patient outcomes 5, 6, 4.
• Clinical Feasibility: HaH has been shown to be clinically feasible and efficacious in delivering hospital-level care to patients at home 6, 4.

Key Considerations

When considering HaH care, the following key considerations should be taken into account:

• Patient Safety: Ensuring patient safety is crucial in HaH care, with a focus on preventing hospital-acquired infections and other complications 3.
• Quality of Care: HaH care should meet quality standards similar to those of traditional hospital care 6.
• Patient Satisfaction: Patients and caregivers should be satisfied with HaH care, with studies showing improved patient satisfaction and reduced readmissions 6, 4.
• Cost-Effectiveness: HaH care should be cost-effective, with reduced costs compared to traditional hospital care 5, 6, 4.