NL Health Services Partnership Pilots Discharge Planning Solution

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is partnering with two of its strategic innovation partners, Seafair Capital and Mobia Health, on the development and pilot of a software and process solution to streamline and coordinate the discharge of alternative level of care patients. The purpose of the solution, DischargeHUB, is to plan and optimize how alternative level of care patients are discharged from hospital.

Alternative level of care patients are those patients who no longer require acute care in a hospital setting but who are occupying a hospital bed while they await discharge or transfer to another facility such as long-term care, rehabilitation or supports provided at home. This pilot project is focused on patients who can safely be discharged back to their home with the correct supports to meet their care needs.

“This collaborative effort is intended to improve efficiency and also lead to more positive client experiences within the health-care system,” said Cassie Chisholm, vice president of Transformation – Health Systems, NL Health Services. “NL Health Services supports a ‘home first’ philosophy whereby we are committed to providing clients and their families with the necessary supports to recover from medical illnesses in the best place for those patients. Further, it supports ongoing work to ensure that hospital beds in health-care facilities are available for those patients who need to be admitted for care.”

Staff will pilot DischargeHUB at the Health Sciences Centre and St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital in St. John’s for six months starting this winter with alternative level of care patients being discharged to their own homes. These patients may be equipped at home with specific equipment, such as oxygen and other home care requirements as needed.

“The opportunity to solve the alternative level of care challenge aligns deeply with our commitment to enhancing coordination across the continuum of care,” said Ayon Shahed, vice president of Innovation at Seafair Capital. “We are excited to be working with Mobia Health and NL Health Services on this innovation to create a solution that enhances patient flow and creates a positive impact for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and one that can be deployed in jurisdictions across the country.”

NL Health Services is committed to fostering a patient-centred approach, supportive care at home, and contributing to the ongoing transformation of health-care services. Focusing on a ‘home first’ approach for alternative level of care patients aims to help improve their overall health outcomes and have their health care needs met.

“Amazing collaborations continue in the Newfoundland and Labrador innovation ecosystem,” said Nevin Pick, president of Mobia Health. “The cross collaboration between industry experts at Seafair Capital, NL Health Services and our technology team, is the catalyst to reimagine what’s possible and to drive solutions that improve the patient journey.”

This innovation is aligned with NL Health Services mandate, mission and vision. Through innovation and partnerships, NL Health Services strives for excellence to support the health and well-being of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and to create a more sustainable health system.

NL Health Services’ Innovation Strategy aims to:

• improve health-care services and programs through the application of innovative solutions;
• maximize health system efficiencies and minimize associated costs by leveraging the innovation ecosystem to build partnerships and produce revenue; and
• generate economic development in the province and increase employment.

For more information, please visit the Research and Innovation website.

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About NL Health Services

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NL Health Services) brings together five former separate health entities – Eastern Health, Central Health, Western Health, Labrador-Grenfell Health, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information. The creation of a provincial health authority was announced following recommendations from Health Accord NL.

NL Health Services is responsible for delivering health and community services to more than 528,000 people living in Newfoundland and Labrador and employs over 22,000 people. NLHealthServices.ca.

About Seafair Capital

Seafair Capital is a strategic leadership and community investment company founded in Newfoundland and Labrador. As one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, Seafair leverages over 25 years of experience to drive innovation and excellence in healthcare, community care and community development.

About Mobia Health Innovations

Mobia Health Innovations, a Canadian Software as a Service (SaaS) company, creates innovative technology solutions to streamline the patient journey in healthcare settings. Focused on reducing wait times, enabling equitable care, and ensuring appropriate utilization of critical resources, Mobia Health partners with clinicians to transform health systems with a configurable, cloud-based product. To learn more, visit MobiaHealth.io.