May 2008

Program has patients home for rehabilitation

Caulfield General Medical Centre’s newest patient care program will benefit both patients and the hospital.

The Graduated Discharge Program (GDP) was introduced mid-February and substitutes inpatient care with ambulatory care, giving the patient better choice.

Sub-acute and Medical Services Director Associate Professor Peter Hunter said the latter part of an inpatient stay could be substituted for community rehabilitation, discharge support or case management care or a combination of services, allowing the patient to go home earlier.

‘It is about ensuring the right care in the right place at the right time,’ Associate Professor Hunter said.

‘This new program is the future of CGMC—it is an opportunity to do things differently and provide more patient-centred care.

‘There is a lot of literature that supports this sort of care, particularly in rehabilitation.

‘All our inpatients will be offered this program, if suitable.  

‘We know that the majority of people would prefer to go home earlier, rather than stay in hospital,’ Associate Professor Hunter said.

The GDP is part of the hospital's work as a Centre Promoting Health Independence.

Patients in the GDP are those who no longer need 24 hour care, technical or nursing expertise and are medically stable.

They are able to receive allied health care at home.

Either community rehabilitation through Therapy in The Home (TITH) or post acute care with regular private practitioners would be organised for these patients.

With five new nurse care coordinators and an expanded TITH, CGMC is able to offer this new approach to care planning, discussed with appropriate patients and their families soon after admittance.

The program will encourage active involvement from patients and families.