Heart failure patients encounter a myriad of challenges, from managing daily care routines to the constant threat of hospitalization. To enhance the care journey for individuals grappling with heart failure, Kettering Health has forged a strategic alliance with Story Health, a pioneering digital health enterprise dedicated to revolutionizing specialty care delivery. For those Kettering Health patients who choose to participate, Story Health will partner with healthcare providers to deliver tailored virtual care, encompassing medication oversight, home-based heart health monitoring, and comprehensive support from clinical care teams, all aimed at minimizing readmission rates and expanding provider capacity.
Heart failure is a chronic condition that requires continuous management and support. Recognizing the need for innovative solutions, Kettering Health has partnered with Story Health to provide comprehensive digital support for heart failure patients. This partnership aims to improve patient outcomes through personalized, virtual care and robust support services. Here’s how you can make the most of this partnership:
1. Virtual, Personalized Care
One of the standout features of this partnership is the provision of virtual care tailored to individual patient needs. This includes:
- Medication Management: Patients receive personalized medication plans and reminders to ensure adherence.
- Home Heart Health Monitoring: With the help of digital tools, patients can monitor their heart health from the comfort of their homes. This includes tracking vital signs and symptoms, which are then reviewed by healthcare professionals.
2. Continuous Support from Clinical Care Teams
Patients have access to a dedicated clinical care team that provides continuous support and guidance. This team is available to answer questions, adjust treatment plans, and offer advice on managing heart failure symptoms. The goal is to ensure that patients never feel alone in their journey.
3. Specialized Heart Failure Clinics
Kettering Health’s heart failure clinics are designed to offer specialized care. These clinics provide:
- Comprehensive Assessments: Detailed evaluations to understand the patient’s condition and needs.
- Tailored Treatment Plans: Customized plans that address the unique challenges faced by each patient.
- Regular Follow-ups: Scheduled check-ins to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
4. Support Services
In addition to medical care, the partnership offers a range of support services aimed at improving the overall well-being of heart failure patients. These include:
- Patient Education: One-on-one sessions to educate patients about heart failure, its management, and lifestyle changes that can help.
- Lifestyle Tips: Advice on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications to support heart health.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: Structured programs to help patients recover and improve their heart function.
- Community Health Events: Opportunities for patients to connect with others, share experiences, and learn from experts.
How It Works
A licensed and adept care team from Story Health will be readily accessible via text, phone, or video calls, providing proactive engagement to assist patients in managing their condition and securing the necessary care between medical appointments. Story Health coaches meticulously analyze daily health data submitted by Kettering Health patients, facilitating timely adjustments to medication regimens, offering education and symptom management strategies, and resolving any prescription-related challenges that may surface between visits. Furthermore, Kettering Health will automatically enroll patients in the Story Health program upon hospital discharge, fostering heightened engagement in post-discharge follow-up care.
“Heart failure care at Kettering Health merges expertise with state-of-the-art technology and specialized support to deliver an exceptional experience for our patients. Our collaboration with Story Health extends this care virtually, ensuring that patients receive assistance with daily monitoring and medication management between appointments. Ultimately, our goal is to diminish hospitalizations and enhance the quality of life for our heart failure patients,” remarked Jody Underwood, executive director of Population Health at Kettering Health.
Improved Quality of Life
Story Health integrates advanced technology with a specialized care team to elevate the health and overall quality of life for those living with cardiovascular challenges. This innovative care model has produced remarkable health outcomes and achieved high levels of patient engagement, particularly among underserved demographics.
“Our partnership with Kettering Health guarantees that heart failure patients remain actively engaged in their care, allowing for the delivery of superior quality healthcare. We assist the health system in lowering readmission rates while simultaneously increasing the patient population they can accommodate,” stated Tom Stanis, co-founder and CEO of Story Health. “From day one after discharge, our seasoned care team fosters enhanced engagement, ensuring that patients adhere to their care plans.”
Reducing readmission rates stands as a critical priority for healthcare systems, and tackling barriers post-discharge can significantly mitigate the risk of complications through timely detection and management. Story Health is committed to assisting Kettering Health in addressing these challenges by connecting with patients in compassionate and meaningful ways, collaborating closely to meet their individual needs.
Conclusion
The Kettering Health and Story Health partnership represents a significant advancement in the care of heart failure patients. By leveraging digital tools and providing continuous, personalized support, this partnership aims to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. If you or a loved one is managing heart failure, consider exploring the resources and support offered through this innovative collaboration.