4 minute read
Is blended care the new normal?
In health, Blended Care refers to a mixture of online appointments and in-person treatment for a range of health needs. Its underpinning logic is that quality healthcare services can be made more accessible by delivering at least part of a care plan or service online, to help improve patients’ health in a way that is local and helpful for them.
Living with cancer When one of your three children has a serious health condition it affects the daily life of the whole family. For Tom and his family being able to do a few of the many hospital appointments needed online has been a game changer. Being able to attend even one or two online appointments from home, means he can help Maria more with the regular health consultations. In this way Tom can manage online consultations within his work day without having to take more unpaid leave. Also he gets to feel more hands-on involved with Kayla’s treatment plan and spend more time with her himself.
Rural community Jan loves living in an idyllic part of Ireland with a close community. One downside is you can have to travel long distances when you’re not well. As part of her treatment plan Jan is able to access expert medical opinion for some appointments online which saves her two trips to Dublin each month
Parent is ill Juggling family life, work-life, life-life is always a bit tricky, now Sue, can have some of her regular health support appointments and consultations online, which helps the whole family.
New baby Fiona had gestational diabetes, managing her condition with some of her scheduled appointments online resulted in greater access and more frequent appointments than would have been possible with only face-to-face. It was also ideal for the group work classes. Fiona is now in full health, helped by receiving excellent care when she needed it.
Practical benefits of Blended Care
There are a range of benefits for people adopting the blended care approach: • fewer in-person appointments – saves time and money • online content and support materials can be shared easily • empowers users to take an active role in the process • more convenient for families, individuals and carers • improve access or frequency options Through collaboration, service users and their healthcare professionals can identify an ideal combination of in-person and online treatments for their therapeutic goals. When it becomes apparent that a blended care approach will suit both parties, healthcare professionals can take advantage of emerging blended care technologies, to streamline elements of the care pathway that can be digitised and help clients achieve their goals through modes that are most convenient for them.
Additional needs Children with autism have additional needs which can result in a lot of health care appointments. Now they are able to take some of the regular consultations and classes online it saves Roisin’s family time and money but above all means less stress.
Solo parent Work/Life balance is so important. Less time off paid work for some routine healthcare appointments makes a big difference to people. Katie benefits too as keeping to her routine is very helpful at this age.
Retired couple Mary and John had been looking forward to retirement for a long time. One of the things that took a lot of time from their schedule were the regular health checks they needed at this age and stage. Being able to do some of their health consultations via video really helped them to plan their trips and have more free time. IS BLENDED CARE FOR YOU/YOUR SERVICE?
The HSE is providing easy to access support Equipment Licences Training
Contact the National Virtual Health Team at virtualhealth@hse.ie www.hse.ie/online-health/about
Blended Care helps healthcare providers
Dietician “…I talk about food, about motivation about portions and about making healthier choices with people and when that person is sitting in their own kitchen it becomes much more personal to the person. They take ownership of the session - which is as it should be, they are the expert in their own lives.”
Physiotherapy “Online consultations are ideal for triage or initial consultation to establish clinical need.”
Occupational therapy “Older population are adapting well to video consultation technology… will be using a blended care approach going forward.”
Paediatric care “There is a huge huge difference having patients in their own environment much more relaxed.”
Mental health “I see a role for it always, for patients with poor mobility, transport difficulties or any number of reasons. The format is easy to use…”
National Virtual Health Team – Delivering Video Enabled Care (VEC)
“You can access the right care at the right time and in the right place and you feel empowered listened to and safe”
- HSE Corporate Plan 2021 'Our Aim'
