Doha, April 23 (QNA) - Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is redefining how healthcare is delivered through its Hospital at Home model, led by the Home Healthcare Service (HHCS). This innovative program brings advanced, hospital-level care into the homes of patients across Qatar, ensuring that individuals with complex medical needs receive high-quality, specialist treatment while remaining in a familiar and supportive environment.

HHCS is both Joint Commission International (JCI) Accredited under Home Care Standards and Planetree Gold Certified for Person-Centered Care, reflecting its commitment to safety, quality, and compassion. The service provides round-the-clock, interdisciplinary care to patients of all ages - ranging from pediatric cases to elderly individuals - who are temporarily or permanently housebound.

"The Hospital at Home model is more than just an alternative to inpatient care - it is a transformative approach that brings medical expertise to the very heart of our communities," said Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad, Deputy Chief for Long-Term Care, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics at HMC.

"Caring for patients in their own homes allows them to remain in a familiar, comfortable setting, surrounded by their loved ones. This significantly contributes to emotional wellbeing, reduces the stress and anxiety often associated with hospital stays, and encourages a more active role for family members in the care journey. Importantly, this program provides specialist care typically offered in hospitals - such as ventilation support, complex wound care, and palliative services - delivered by expert multidisciplinary teams."

HHCS is uniquely positioned to manage complex and specialized clinical cases outside the hospital. Currently, 79 patients dependent on mechanical ventilators are being cared for at home. The service also provides critical treatments such as tracheostomy care, enzyme replacement therapy, long-term oxygen therapy, advanced wound management, and Point of Care Testing - with future plans to include feeding tube replacements and portable tele-imaging capabilities.

"We are proud to lead a model of care that brings specialist services directly to those who need them most," said Dr. Essa Al Sulaiti, Medical Director of HHCS.

"What we're doing with Hospital at Home is empowering our multidisciplinary teams - physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals - to deliver complex interventions in a way that prioritizes patient comfort, safety, and dignity. We are breaking down barriers between hospital and home, and ensuring that care is timely, accessible, and centered on each patient's individual needs."

The HHCS model also supports early discharge for patients requiring short-term medical care at home. Through its Early Supported Discharge (ESD) program, patients who are stable enough to leave the hospital can continue treatments - such as IV antibiotics and wound care -at home. In 2024, this program has saved more than 5,000 adult and 1,400 pediatric bed-days, directly contributing to improved hospital flow and reduced congestion in emergency departments.

The HHCS Call Centre operates 24/7, responding to over 52,000 calls in 2024 alone. It plays a crucial role in providing real-time guidance and reassurance to patients and their families, helping to avoid unnecessary hospital visits and ensuring continuity of care.

As demand for healthcare services continues to grow, HMC's Hospital at Home model stands as a forward-thinking solution - demonstrating that world-class specialist care can be delivered effectively, safely, and compassionately in the community. (QNA)