“aftercare”

…i.e., when the patient is discharged from the hospital abroad

To illustrate this article, on the “Hospital-at-Home” concept & practice, in the context of Medical Tourism, I used the front cover of the book titled “Hospital at Home”, by Freda Clarke, a used paperback edition of which one can buy for ￡74.78 through Amazon UK (? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hospital-Home-Alternative-General-Admission/dp/0333375262 ?).

This article represents an updated and shorter version of a LinkedIn article published previously.

This update was motivated by a post by Andreas Jurado (? https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/andr%C3%A9s-jurado-31b8b032/ ?) on the need for Medical Tourism to embrace Integrated Care Management, to which I added a comment – and to whom I extend due attribution.

See Andreas’ post: ?https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/andr%C3%A9s-jurado-31b8b032_medicaltourism-integratedcaremanagement-patientcare-activity-7265806832428806144-BDLo/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop ?.

In his post, Andreas points out that the patient’s “Treatment Abroad” journey should not end as soon at the patient is discharged from the “hospital abroad”.

Needless to say, I agree and support Andreas’ quest to ensure that Medical Tourism is comprehensive, efficient and patient-centered.

It is because of this, that on a number of occasions (in my written word), I have claimed that Medical Tourism should be no different to "Medical Care Provision", generally, which is expected to be “comprehensive, efficient and patient-centered”.

As for the patient journey not ending as soon at the patient is discharged from the “hospital abroad” – and in the spirit of “continuum of care” (as a concept and practice) – I support the adoption and implementation of the "Hospital-at-Home" concept and practice in the case of Medical Tourism – as a natural fit.

In the context of a specific incidence of “hospitalization” (as opposed to “life-long” care), “continuum of care” refers to the coordinated and comprehensive provision of healthcare services – meaning “seamless and efficient” care throughout a patient's specific “treatment” journey.

The goal is to ensure there are no “gaps” in the required care.

Although the "Hospital-at-Home" concept and practice (as originally conceived) is primarily about providing and receiving care services in a patient’s own home (right from the start), it can also be implemented, with regards to “aftercare” (i.e., when the patient is discharged from the hospital – see short note towards the end of this article).

BTW, we are told that Hospital-at-Home is a promising model that has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery by providing high-quality, cost-effective care in a patient-centered setting.

a short note on “aftercare”

...when the patient is discharged from the hospital abroad

Aftercare refers to the care or treatment provided to a patient after a medical procedure, surgery or illness.

Stated a little differently, “aftercare” refers to the ongoing support and services provided to individuals after they have completed a specific treatment or program.

“aftercare” aims to help individuals maintain progress, prevent relapse, and address any ongoing needs.

It involves a range of services designed to aid in recovery and rehabilitation.

This can include physical therapy, medication management, counseling and follow-up appointments.