Challenge: Elara Caring aimed to provide efficient, personalized home care for high-risk CHF and COPD patients, reducing hospital visits.

Proposed Solution with CareXM: Elara Caring implemented the CareXM Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) platform, using advanced monitoring equipment and a centralized, clinician-led approach to manage patient health.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, technology has emerged as a powerful ally in providing efficient and patient-centric solutions.

Elara Caring, a leading provider of home health, hospice, behavioral health – and personal care services – has embarked on a transformative journey by implementing the CareXM Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) platform.

At the heart of this initiative is ElaraConnect, a suite of internal programs designed to identify patient needs and apply virtual oversight to keep them safely at home. Within ElaraConnect, specialty programs cater specifically to high-risk Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) home care patients, with the aim of keeping them out of the hospital.

This case study delves into the key components and outcomes of Elara Caring’s innovative approach to patient care.

Elara Caring and CareXM: Redefining Home Health

Elara Caring’s commitment to providing personalized care wherever patients call home is evident in its diverse portfolio of programs. The cornerstone of their approach lies in recognizing and addressing the unique needs of each patient along their health journey. With ElaraConnect, the organization takes a proactive stance in managing the health of high-risk CHF and COPD patients – leveraging state-of-the-art monitoring equipment.

“When deciding on a telehealth and monitoring platform, it was important to us to implement a solution that wasn’t ‘One-Size-Fits-All,’” said Regis Zamudio, VP of ElaraConnect. “Not only do we recognize that each patient population is unique, and may require a different monitoring program, but we have plans to expand to further use cases in the future. The CareXM Telehealth platform offers the flexibility we need while still being extremely robust in terms of features.”

Centralized Clinician-Led Team: The Backbone of Care

Elara Caring’s approach centers around a centralized, clinician-led team of experts strategically positioned to monitor every
alert generated by the telehealth monitoring equipment. This ensures that interventions can occur promptly at the earliest signs of a health change. By combining the efficiency of technology with the expertise of healthcare professionals, Elara Caring aims to create a seamless and responsive system that addresses patients’ needs in realtime.

One of the unique aspects of ElaraConnect is the integration of in-person and virtual visits, providing patients with frequent, realtime opportunities for education, symptom management, and intervention. This hybrid approach acknowledges the importance of face-to-face interactions while harnessing the capabilities of virtual platforms for efficient, cost-effective, and timely care delivery.

Ann Johnson, Director of Clinical Services, Telehealth, heads up this team. “Our clinicians have enjoyed the ease of use of the CareXM platform. We estimate our clinicians are able to monitor more than double that of our previous platform. We see and help more patients.”

Through virtual visits, clinicians can engage with patients in the comfort of their homes, breaking down barriers that may hinder regular in-person interactions. This not only enhances patient convenience but also allows for continuous monitoring and assessment, for a more comprehensive understanding of the patient’s health status. A hybrid approach to in-home care also allows Elara Caring to broaden access to services, so the team can better serve patients living in rural or hard-to-access communities.

The Right Equipment: Empowering Patients with User-Friendly Technology

A critical component of ElaraConnect is the provision of CareXM’s easy-to-use equipment kit that interfaces with the CareXM app for accurate vital sign monitoring. Patients receive these kits at their homes within 24 hours of the doctor’s order, emphasizing
Elara Caring’s commitment to swift and effective care initiation. The equipment is designed to be user friendly, empowering patients to actively participate in their own care.

The kit includes tools for monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. This not only facilitates regular check-ins with the healthcare team but also encourages patients to be proactive about their health. The seamless
integration of technology into the patient’s daily routine promotes a sense of continuity in their care, fostering a collaborative approach between patients and clinicians.

Real-World Impact: Improving Outcomes and Reducing Hospitalizations

The implementation of ElaraConnect has yielded tangible benefits for both patients and the healthcare system. By leveraging CareXM’s telehealth and RPM platform, Elara Caring has experienced a notable reduction in hospitalizations of 42% for high-risk CHF patients and 47% for high-risk COPD patients. Patients enrolled in remote patient monitoring have an average telehealth length of stay of 49 days and 22% higher risk score than the average Elara Caring patient. The early detection enabled by continuous monitoring has played a pivotal role in preventing exacerbations of chronic conditions, resulting in improved overall health outcomes for patients.

The proactive nature of the program has also translated into enhanced patient engagement. Through regular interactions, clinicians can educate patients on managing their symptoms, adhering to treatment plans, and making lifestyle modifications that positively impact their health. The synergy between technology and personalized care has created a dynamic feedback loop, with patients feeling more empowered and engaged in their healthcare journey.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

While ElaraConnect has proven to be a success, the implementation journey was not without its challenges. One notable hurdle was underestimating the lift for effective onboarding and training for both clinicians and patients.

Ensuring that healthcare professionals were proficient in utilizing the telehealth platform and that patients felt comfortable with the monitoring equipment was crucial for the program’s success.

Elara Caring invested in comprehensive training programs, recognizing the importance of building a proficient and confident team of clinicians and program administrators. Additionally, patient education materials were developed to facilitate a smooth transition to remote monitoring.

The organization has prioritized clear communication, education, and ongoing support for team members and patients alike – both in the initial phase of program adoption and with ongoing program expansion.

Conclusion: Paving the Way For Future Healthcare

Elara Caring’s implementation of the CareXM Telehealth and RPM platform through the ElaraConnect program exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to home health and remote patient monitoring. By seamlessly integrating technology into patient care, Elara Caring has not only improved outcomes for high-risk CHF and COPD patients but has also set a precedent for the future of healthcare delivery.

The success of ElaraConnect underscores the potential of telehealth and RPM in enhancing the quality of care, reducing healthcare costs, and empowering patients to actively participate in their health management. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Elara Caring’s innovative model serves as a beacon, demonstrating that the marriage of technology and compassionate, patient-centered care is a powerful formula for success in the modern era of healthcare.