#United States #Home Health #Pediatric Care #Orlando #Nemours

Advancing Pediatric Care in the Home

In a recent significant gathering, Nemours Children's Health, a prominent pediatric healthcare provider in the United States, hosted the 2026 Pediatric Advanced Care at Home Conference. This event addressed the urgent need for innovative healthcare models that can transition pediatric care from hospitals to home settings. Prolonged hospital stays can impose considerable stress on children and their families, highlighting the necessity for new strategies that prioritize at-home recovery and well-being.

Dr. R. Lawrence Moss, the President and CEO of Nemours Children's Health, articulated the overarching goal of the conference: to harness the expertise of leading voices in pediatric healthcare to create a robust national framework for home-based care. He emphasized, "Children's hospitals provide exceptional inpatient care. However, when these young patients return home, they require supportive resources to maintain their health and prevent readmissions."

The gathering, which attracted over 100 key stakeholders from across the healthcare landscape, served as a platform for discussing practical strategies and innovative models for pediatric home care. Participants included pediatric clinical leaders, researchers, payers, policy-makers, and safety assurance experts, all engaging in collaborative discussions about overcoming existing challenges in delivering care at home.

A Shared Vision for Pediatric Home Health

The conference underscored a collective commitment to developing effective pathways for pediatric care in the home environment. According to Jane M. Mericle, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at Nemours, this initiative is not merely about providing care; it is about co-creating a future where children can heal in the comfort of their homes. She stated, "This conference was a great opportunity to co-create the future of pediatric home care and support to ensure that children can safely and seamlessly receive care at home where they heal best and are the most comfortable."

In 2025, Nemours established its Center for Pediatric Advanced Care at Home, which marked a significant milestone in their efforts to formulate a sustainable model that utilizes technology and accessible clinical support. The Center's approach integrates 24/7 clinical access with personalized care, allowing stable patients to continue their healing journey at home rather than remaining hospitalized.

Thus far, over 700 patients have benefitted from this pioneering model, illustrating the demand for at-home advanced care for vulnerable children. The program signifies a shift towards a more flexible and patient-centered healthcare environment, ensuring that the unique needs of pediatric patients are prioritized.

Furthermore, the conference provided a venue for sharing lessons learned from various healthcare models, offering invaluable insights for participants. Discussions focused on reimbursement strategies, measurement approaches, and the diverse challenges faced by healthcare providers when navigating the transition to home care.

Reflection on Future Pediatric Care Models

As the healthcare landscape evolves, the emphasis on delivering care beyond hospital walls is becoming increasingly vital. The insights gained from the 2026 Pediatric Advanced Care at Home Conference shine a light on the transformative potential of collaboration within the pediatric healthcare community. By fostering innovation and sharing knowledge, leaders in the field aim to improve health outcomes for children across America.

In its mission to transform children's health, Nemours Children's Health embodies a holistic model that doesn’t just focus on medical interventions but also considers the broader aspects affecting a child's overall well-being. The success of initiatives like the Pediatric Advanced Care at Home model reflects a commitment to comprehensive care that prioritizes children's needs, ensuring their emotional and physical health.

For more information about Nemours Children's Health and its ongoing initiatives, visit their official website.