India (Commonwealth Union)_ Apollo Hospitals has introduced a groundbreaking initiative in Hyderabad, unveiling a homecare recovery program tailored for patients who have undergone cardiac surgery. This innovative program, seamlessly integrated with the discharge instructions, assures that patients receive appropriate post-surgery care under the supervision of Apollo Hospitals’ medical professionals. The Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, Dr. Sangita Reddy, formally launched the two-week homecare recovery program following its successful pilot implementation among 600 patients.
Dr. Reddy highlighted the preference of patients to recover in the comfort of their homes and emphasized the hospital’s commitment to minimizing hospital stays while extending the hospital’s care and support to patients in their own residences. The homecare recovery program offers a comprehensive range of services, including direct consultation with doctors and nurses, remote monitoring, and physiotherapy delivered through Apollo Homecare. Senior cardiac surgeon, Dr. AGK Gokhale, noted that this program significantly enhances patient compliance with post-discharge instructions, while Dr. PV Naresh, a senior heart and lung transplant surgeon, stressed that minor health issues can be managed effectively at home, reducing the need for unnecessary hospital visits.
Patients who undergo cardiac surgery often face a daunting recovery process, including pain management, wound care, mobility issues, medication adherence, and emotional challenges. Traditional nursing and physiotherapy services, often unregulated and lacking medical oversight, may not align with the surgeon’s guidance, leading to suboptimal outcomes and added stress for patients and their families. Recognizing these obstacles, Apollo Hospitals designed a comprehensive 2-week recovery program in collaboration with Apollo Homecare, staffed by a team of qualified medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, and care coordinators. This structured program, aligned with global best practices, aims to extend the benefits of surgery into the patient’s home. It provides a clear roadmap for recovery, featuring physical and virtual follow-ups, measurable objectives, and outcomes, all under the expert guidance of the cardiac surgeon.
The advantages of this program are manifold, offering patients a faster and more efficient recovery process, often up to two weeks ahead of those without planned recovery programs. This accelerated recuperation leads to better long-term outcomes. Furthermore, patients receive essential care for common post-discharge medical conditions, including wound care, medication management, and continuous monitoring of vital parameters. A dedicated coordinator provides round-the-clock support, ensuring strict adherence to the surgeon’s post-discharge advice. In cases of emergencies or concerns, patients maintain direct access to the hospital and their cardiac surgeon, providing crucial peace of mind for both patients and their families. Overall, Apollo Hospitals’ homecare recovery program marks a pioneering step towards optimizing the post-surgery experience for cardiac patients.
