The Senate Health Policy Committee hosted two panel discussions this week: one on the benefits of home hospital care and another on effective techniques that health care workers can use as an alternative to emergency departments.
Tampa General had an expert presence on both panels: Dr. Peter ChangVice President of Healthcare Design at Tampa General Hospital (TGH extension) and assistant professor in the Division of Cardiology at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, and Dr. Jason Wilsondirector of the Division of Emergency Medicine at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and medical director of Transitions of Care for Emergency Medicine at Tampa General Hospital.
“TGH at Home is the intersection of high tech and personalized care,” said Chang. “We are able to treat patients in the comfort of their own homes, creating efficiencies, reducing costs and improving patient outcomes.”
Tampa General launched TGH at Home in July 2022 to provide high-quality hospital-level clinical care to lower-severity patients in the comfort of their own homes. The approach combines twice-daily home visits with advanced technology to monitor vital signs and conduct telehealth visits.
Based on the same standards used in the hospital, the model has been shown to reduce exposure to infection or infectious disease and reduce the risk of readmission, as well as improve the patient experience.
“I greatly appreciated the unique perspective and insight offered by Dr. Peter Chang and the entire team at Tampa General,” said the president Colleen Burton. “Innovation in healthcare is critical to delivering world-class patient care, and I’m proud to say Florida is at the forefront of innovative healthcare solutions through strategic partnerships with providers like Tampa General Hospital.”
Wilson briefed committee members on Tampa General’s efforts to direct patients to the most effective and efficient care options available, which may be a better choice for the patient than the Emergency Department (ED). By using alternatives, such as urgent care or telehealth, patients can benefit from receiving the right service at the right time.
Some of the pathways Wilson discusses better connect the emergency room to the community so that health care delivery can flow more smoothly in each area of care and ensure that the emergency room has the capacity and space to always treat patients in emergency situations.
“ED serves as a hub for modern healthcare and unplanned care,” Wilson said. “It is imperative that emergency medicine participates in coordinated approaches to improve health care in Florida by helping patients get to the right place for their care.”
Wilson took part in a panel discussion on efforts to ensure patients receive care in the best possible place, whether virtually or physically, in the emergency room, in an office, mobile unit, or via telehealth.
Tuesday’s hearing marked the first meeting of the Senate Health Policy Committee this year. Other speakers were Michael Maniacs of the Mayo Clinic, Ann Claussen with central florida health care e Daniel Drummond from Lakeland Regional Health.
Tampa General has become a valuable asset to the legislature on health care policy. In 2021, the Senate approached Tampa General Hospital to develop and implement health guidelines and infectious disease protocols for the safety of Senate members, staff, media and visitors.
Also in 2021, then President of the Senate Wilton Simpson attended a celebration of Florida’s healthcare heroes at the Capitol hosted by Tampa General Hospital.
In addition, several Tampa General team members have been appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis serve on state councils.
Dr. Seema Weinsteindirector of psychology and neuropsychology services at Tampa General Hospital, serves on the psychology board. Annamaria Chavarriadirector of nursing at Tampa General, serves on the Florida Center for Nursing Board. Mayan giftDirector of Pharmaceutical Services at Tampa General, he was recently reappointed to the pharmacy board. Nicholas Justicesenior director of Patient Safety at Tampa General, serves on the Board of Medicine.
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