“Australia stuck in past due to outdated Hospital in the Home regulations”
- Funding sought: CHA calls for expanded virtual care support
- Strong evidence: Hospital in the Home improves outcomes
- Hospital relief: Virtual care reduces hospital bed demand
- National reform: Australia urged to modernise HITH regulations
The peak body for Catholic aged care providers is calling for increased Federal Government funding to expand access to the virtual care model.
Catholic Health Australia, which represents approximately 12% of all aged care homes across Australia and around 20% of home care providers, has published an 11-page Position Paper on Hospital in the Home (HITH).
The peak body has recommended the Federal Government increase the benefits paid to private hospitals offering HITH, as well as strengthen governance and implement mechanisms to safeguard patient choice and clinical autonomy.
“Hospital in the home is safe, effective, and loved by patients,” said Dr Katharine Bassett, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Health Australia.
Research on HITH consistently shows lower hospital readmission rates, shorter stays, reduced 30-day mortality, and patient satisfaction above 80%.
“While other developed nations such as Canada and the UK are soaring ahead with HITH, Australia is stuck in the past due to our outdated regulations,” said Katharine.
“The challenge now is to deliver high-quality HITH at scale.”
Virtual care eases hospital strain from aged care shortages
South Australia has employed Medibank-owned Amplar Health to run its My Home Hospital program. To date, the program has provided care to more than 26,000 patients.
Amplar Health also delivers SA’s Transition Care program, which provides care for patients waiting on aged care or disability supports. The program was initially located at the inner-city Adelaide Pullman Hotel, and is being expanded.
New South Wales is using HITH to try and help transition older patients waiting on aged care out of hospital.
Virtual care is at the heart of St Vincent's Health Australia’s ambitious plan to deliver half of all care at home or online by 2030.
Catholic Health Australia says it will continue to consult on HITH as the Federal Government prepares for consultation on private health sector reforms.
