SwedishAmerican Hospital
Partnering to Improve Health Outside the Hospital
In 2016, SwedishAmerican Health System and the City of Rockford Fire Department partnered to form Mobile Integrated Healthcare, a joint Community Paramedic Program. The program brings together a registered nurse from SwedishAmerican and a paramedic to make home visits to improve the patients’ health at home and reduce readmissions.
Patients are chosen based on emergency department (ED) utilization, diagnosis and location. The nurse and paramedic share medication information from the hospital pharmacy with patients, as well as community resources such as transportation and social services. The team provides safety items like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and shower chairs to prevent falls.
The program’s main goals are to:
- Improve overall health;
- Decrease avoidable visits;
- Promote self-reliance;
- Improve environmental safety; and
- Increase patient satisfaction.
The program participants saw a 54% reduction in ED visits and a 38% reduction in ambulance trips. Patients have also established strong relationships with care providers and report an increased sense of emotional well-being.