Penn Medicine is a leading academic medical center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that offers a wide range of healthcare services, including home infusion therapy.
Home infusion therapy is an alternative to hospital-based infusion therapy, allowing patients to receive intravenous medications and fluids in the comfort of their own homes. Penn Medicine has been delivering high-quality home infusion therapy for several years and has developed a set of best practices for successful delivery of this service.
One of the key strategies that Penn Medicine uses for successful home infusion therapy is patient education. Before patients begin home infusion therapy, they receive comprehensive education on how to administer their medications safely and effectively. The education is provided by trained nurses who work with patients to develop an individualized plan of care that includes detailed instructions on how to administer medications, proper medication storage, and monitoring for potential side effects or complications. Patients are also provided with a 24-hour support line that they can call if they have any questions or concerns about their treatment.
Another important strategy for successful home infusion therapy is close collaboration between healthcare providers. At Penn Medicine, home infusion therapy is provided by a team of nurses, pharmacists, and physicians who work together to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care. The team collaborates closely to develop treatment plans that are tailored to each patient's individual needs, and they meet regularly to review patients' progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
In addition to patient education and interdisciplinary collaboration, Penn Medicine uses a variety of technology tools to support successful home infusion therapy. For example, patients are provided with infusion pumps that are programmed to deliver their medications at the correct dosage and rate. The pumps are connected to a wireless monitoring system that allows nurses to track patients' progress and detect any issues in real-time. Patients are also provided with tablets or smartphones that allow them to communicate with their healthcare providers, access educational materials, and monitor their progress.
Finally, Penn Medicine places a strong emphasis on patient satisfaction and engagement. Home infusion therapy can be a challenging and isolating experience, and patients often require significant emotional support to successfully complete their treatment. To address this challenge, Penn Medicine has developed a comprehensive patient engagement program that includes regular check-ins with patients, support groups, and resources to help patients manage the emotional and psychological aspects of their treatment.