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Ochsner Health and myLaurel: A New Era in Hospital Care

In a groundbreaking initiative, Ochsner Health, the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, has joined forces with myLaurel, an innovator in home-based acute and transitional care, to significantly improve hospital capacity and patient outcomes. Over a two-year partnership, both organizations have been able to demonstrate remarkable achievements in optimizing care delivery and hospital operations.

Transformative Results

Since launching their partnership in 2024, Ochsner Health and myLaurel have made tremendous strides in enhancing medical care for complex patients. Reports indicate that their collaborative efforts have resulted in:

• - A 60% reduction in readmissions – showcasing a significant improvement in patient recovery processes.
• - Over 10,500 hospital bed days saved – an average of 15 bed days saved each day, enabling the hospital to better utilize its facilities.
• - 85% of patients completing care at home – indicating the effectiveness of in-home transitional care in enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes.
• - 30% cost reduction for patients – making healthcare more accessible and affordable.
• - A stellar 98 Patient Net Promoter Score (NPS) – reflecting the high level of satisfaction among patients who benefited from this care model.

Dr. Logan Davies, medical director of care transitions at Ochsner Medical Center, emphasizes, "We’ve accomplished a tremendous amount together in two years. We've increased patient satisfaction and improved outcomes while lowering costs for patients. The results speak for themselves and underscore the importance of delivering in-home acute and transitional care in a patient-focused manner."

The Care Model

Through a unique integration of care processes, myLaurel collaborates closely with Ochsner’s hospital teams. Their initiative involves daily rounds and strategic identification of patients who might benefit from receiving acute care at home.

Once discharged, patients receive comprehensive care through myLaurel’s innovative services, which encompass in-home clinical visits, virtual consultations, and personalized care plans tailored to individual needs. The Acute Care at Home program is particularly aimed at medically complex individuals with multiple health challenges, ensuring they do not have to return to the hospital unnecessarily.

Dr. Clay Watson, Chief Medical Officer of myLaurel, notes, "We can safely manage treatment for patients at home, responding to new symptoms and health escalations quickly and effectively. This model allows us to treat patients in familiar surroundings, improving their overall health outcomes."

Blueprint for the Future

The success of this partnership has potential implications for other healthcare systems aiming to enhance patient satisfaction, reduce operational costs, and minimize hospital readmissions. Dr. Watson believes the framework established with Ochsner can be replicated across various healthcare environments. "Our integrated teams serve as extensions of in-hospital care providers, ensuring seamless transitions for patients between home and hospital settings," he asserts.

The scope of the program has already expanded to include multiple Ochsner facilities like Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans, Ochsner Baptist, and others, growing the initiative's reach.

Looking forward, the partnership will focus on two critical areas:

• - Clinical Specialization – Developing focused protocols for specific health conditions tailored for in-home care.
• - Technical Interoperability – Enhancing data exchange to facilitate real-time clinical insights among care teams.

Dr. Davies concludes, "We have established a strong foundation highlighting the necessity of home-based acute care within contemporary hospital operations. Our next steps involve refining our technical and clinical methods so that home care becomes an integral, data-informed component of our healthcare delivery."

About myLaurel

myLaurel believes that a significant portion of acute and transitional hospital care can and should occur in patients' homes. This tech-enabled medical group has developed on-demand care solutions tailored specifically for frail, elderly, and complex medical patients, successfully reducing reliance on traditional hospital settings.

By collaborating with various providers and health systems, myLaurel aims to minimize unnecessary healthcare utilization, cut down on readmission rates, and enhance the overall patient experience, maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality and safety in care delivery. Recognized for their innovation, myLaurel has earned accolades such as inclusion in Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies.

About Ochsner Health

Ochsner Health remains a frontrunner in the nonprofit healthcare sector across Louisiana and Mississippi, providing advanced medical care through its extensive network of hospitals and health centers. With a dedicated team of professionals serving millions of patients, Ochsner continues to redefine quality healthcare with an emphasis on enhancing community health and leveraging digital tools for broader outreach.

This collaboration between Ochsner Health and myLaurel is just the beginning of a new trend in patient-centered care, making strides toward a future where hospital care transforms to meet the changing needs of patients and the healthcare system as a whole.