Chemotherapy at home in the living room, an antibiotic drip in a bag to take on the go, and virtual ward rounds.
This is what hospital treatment looks like for far more patients today than just a few years ago.
That is according to data collected by DR from the regions, and it is confirmed by Kristian Kidholm, professor of innovation at the University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital.
> "I can actually do whatever I want. That's a pretty big freedom."
- We have truly begun moving large groups of patients out of the physical hospital and into home treatment, he says.
At Odense University Hospital, for example, there are over 200 initiatives underway that bring treatment closer to patients' homes. In the country's other regions as well, treatment is increasingly moving out of the hospital.
Odense University Hospital, after years of rising admission numbers, has now turned the curve and has more patients admitted at home, says Professor Kristian Kidholm. (Photo: © Signe Wolthers, DR)
Even though patients are not occupying a hospital bed, home treatment does not equal money saved, according to Professor Kristian Kidholm.
- The budget, the amount of staff, and our time use are roughly the same. But the hope in the long run is, of course, that we can save time when patients and staff start getting used to it.
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Penicillin drip in a bag
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Holbæk Hospital last year opened the doors to the Department for Home Admissions, the first of its kind.
There, they recently reached patient number 100, namely Annette Jensen from Asnæs. She is admitted in her home with an elevated infection count. Therefore, she receives antibiotics through a drip.
Annette Jensen receives penicillin through an IV drip. In the waist bag is the penicillin itself, which is refilled daily by a nurse at Annette's home. (Photo: © Private photo)
A treatment that would normally require her to be admitted to the hospital for one or two weeks. Instead, she is now equipped with a waist bag containing the penicillin that is pumped into her bloodstream around the clock via the drip in her hand.
- I can actually do whatever I want. I can go into town, visit family, cook. That's a pretty big freedom, she says.
Do you feel safe being treated at home?
- Yes. I've been given a phone number I can call if I think something is wrong, or if I'm unsure about anything, Annette Jensen replies.
Many patients receive chemotherapy at home. Nurse Kathrine Paaske Smedegaard from OUH explains here how it works and why many are happy with the option.
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A more normal life
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And it is precisely safety that the interest organization Danske Patienter (Danish Patients) is very focused on.
Johanne Kure, political director of the organization, emphasizes that it is crucial that the decision about home treatment is made together with the patient.
- Not all patients have a desire to be treated at home. So one must be particularly careful that the healthcare system does not end up deciding on behalf of the patient whether home treatment is the right solution, she says.
However, Danske Patienter is very positive about the development. Especially patients with chronic diseases can greatly benefit from home treatment.
- It can mean better quality of life and also better management of the disease, says Johanne Kure.
- They can live a more normal life despite their chronic illness.
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