DEVELOPING A TERRITORIAL NETWORK TO ENHANCE HOME-HOSPITALIZATION CARE IN REMOTE MAUNTAINOUS REGIONS
European Statement
Selection, Procurement and Distribution
Author(s)
D. PROTZENKO (1) (2), Y. GONZALEZ (2), M. TASHAN (2), J. CARDI (2), A. PLAN (1) (2).
(1) CHICAS, CLINICAL PHARMACY, GAP, FRANCE.
(2) CHICAS, HOME-HOSPITALIZATION, GAP, FRANCE.
Why was it done?
Our service area spans four departments in France, encompassing numerous mountain valleys with weather-dependent access, making deployment challenging. Additionally, some patients are over two hours’ drive from our hospital.
What was done?
We developed a territorial network by integrating hospital and extra-hospital structures into our home-hospitalization logistics circuit. This integration allowed us to strategically place equipment storage points across our region, enhancing the speed of care in emergencies.
How was it done?
We utilized a computerized tool to map areas accessible within 30 minutes by car and identified strategic points (both hospital and extra-hospital) to maximize coverage with minimal investment.
To optimize operations and improve response times, we established equipment storage points with ready-to-use kits. These kits, created through multi-disciplinary meetings to address key emergency scenarios, are designed to address a range of situations, including post-operative treatments, pressure sores, and end-of-life care, which are particularly prevalent in our population. The variability of care settings—such as patients’ homes, short-term rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care facilities— is also considered. This approach ensures that nurses and doctors can access the necessary equipment at all time, regardless of their location or the specific care requirements. We formalized partnerships to ensure the presence of these kits at designated sites, which are now referenced on a map accessible to our team. Quality processes were implemented to maintain kit quality and prevent expiry.
What has been achieved?
Immediate deployment of equipment for home hospitalization is now possible, regardless of patient location or weather conditions.
What next?
We are expanding our network by recruiting additional partners to enhance our local coverage. This strategy will also apply to areas with shared medical and paramedical skills, improving our responsiveness, particularly in end-of-life care situations. We will also forge new partnerships to broaden our capabilities, enabling other hospitals to prepare patient materials or medications, or to be used as parcel delivery service.