Home Health Paper Assignment The topics discussed in this paper are an overview of the basic foundations of home health.
Home health nursing is a unique field that requires an understanding of certain nursing procedures and the ability to coordinate the services available to the patient while effectively providing the greatest amount of care possible at minimal cost. Difference between Home Health and Traditional Hospital Nursing The obvious difference between traditional hospital nursing and home health nursing is the setting in which care is conducted.In a hospital setting the nurse has the advantage of being familiar with the patient’s surroundings and care is given based on the nurse’s priorities. Home health nursing differs by having the nurse adapt to the patients home environment while working around the patient’s schedule to provide that care. In a traditional hospital setting, nurses would usually provide all the care for the patient, however because home health nursing is done at the patients home families assume more responsibility over the patient by providing care taught to them by the nurse.
Distinguishing Roles of the Multi-Disciplinary TeamEach member of the multi-disciplinary team plays a vital role during the course of the patient’s treatment. According to Carol Taylor, Carol Lillis, Priscilla Lemone, and Pamela Lynn, authors of the Fundamentals of Nursing book: The physician certifies that the patients may receive home healthcare and provides a plan of care for the patient. The nurse supervises and coordinates direct care to patients, families, and healthcare providers. Social workers assist patient and family in dealing with the social, emotional, and environmental factors that affect their well-being (Taylor, Lillis, LeMone, & Lynn, 2008).Other members such as the physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech pathologist may play a part in the recovery of the patient depending on their diagnosis.
The physical therapist promotes self care through gait muscle-strengthening exercises. The occupational therapist evaluates the level of functioning level to promote self care in the patient’s activities of daily living. The speech pathologist assists the patient with speech, language, or hearing needs. Common Home Health Nursing Procedures and TeachingsThe most common procedures of home health that I have encountered during my rotation in home health were wound care, blood draws, vital signs, and providing educational material.
My nurse and I taught our client and family members how to look for any indication that the clients condition could be worsening. We also taught them basic nursing procedures, for example performing a blood glucose test, dressing changes, and interpreting vital sign readings. Qualification for Home Health Care As stated in the Fundamentals of Nursing book, by Carol Taylor, et al. In order for a patient to be qualified for home healthcare the physician must decide that medical care is needed at home.
The client must need intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy. The patient must be homebound, or normally unable to leave the home unassisted (Taylor, Lillis, LeMone, & Lynn, 2008). Obtaining an Intake Assessments Found on the New York State Department of Health website, “The intake assessment is the initial meeting with the client during which the case manager gathers information to address the client's needs.During the first visit, the nurse obtains these needs through careful assessment of the patient’s health, safety, and support system” (New York State Department of Health, 2006). Concerns and Issues about Payments and Reimbursements Depending on your reimbursement source whether it be Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, or other public funding each have their own guidelines for payment and reimbursement. Medicare for example does not reimburse visits to support general health, health promotion, or socioeconomic needs.
Usually the reimbursement source evaluates each plan of care, and only interventions identified on the plan are approved for reimbursement. All other additional interventions done are expected to be paid by the client. Pros and Cons of Home Health Delivery System The biggest advantage in home health is the unique type of relationship that you build with your patient. The amount of time spent with the same patient allows you to build that relationship unlike traditional hospital care.
I also enjoy the independence and the amount of responsibility given to me.The only problem I really have with home healthcare would be that your scheduling revolves around the patient availability. Reference New York State Department of Health. (2006, April).
Brief Intake/Assessment Process. Retrieved October 8, 2010, from New York State Department of Health: http://www. health. state.
ny. us/diseases/aids/standards/casemanagement/intake_assessment. htm Taylor, C. , Lillis, C. , LeMone, P. , ; Lynn, P.
(2008). Fundamentals of Nursing. In Home Healthcare (pp. 185-199). New York: Lippincott Williams ; Wilkins.
