Following the drastic decline in home health volumes due to cancelled elective surgeries, Starwell reallocated their workforce to support the Enhanced Home Health Program. Starwell recruited LPNs to help with the less acute home health patients to allow the RNs to manage higher acuity patients out of the EDs with a caseload of no more than 10-15 EHH patients on caseload at a time. The RNs perform assessments, administer treatments and medications, and provide education to the patient over 7-10 weekly visits on average.
In-person training ensures patients are managed safely
To ensure that patients receive high-quality care, Starwell also developed a training program to upskill RNs, LPN, and PTs with the relevant knowledge and skills necessary. Since RNs are required to deliver an expanded scope of services under the program, Starwell based the training curriculum off of the most common procedures patient groups eligible for the program typically receive. The training consisted of one week of Covid-19 training, and one day of a non-Covid19 skills refresher.
Over the course of a week, RNs, LPNs, and PTs were trained on Covid-19 infection control measures, including how to don and doff PPE, and when to use appropriate equipment. In case patients required mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, clinicians were issued Ambu bags and isolation kits to decrease the risk of transmission through forced inhalation. The clinicians worked together in simulated scenarios to ensure they were prepared to perform life saving measures if necessary while waiting on EMS to arrive.
Additionally, over the course of one day, RNs refreshed their skills on wound care, peripheral IV infusion, and diuresis protocols. The workshops were handson and conducted by advanced level clinicians.