Last week M3 conducted a survey in regards to the NHS trialling Airbnb-style stays for post-operative patients to ease hospital ‘bed-blocking’.
Last week M3 conducted a survey in regards to the NHS trialling Airbnb-style stays for post-operative patients to ease hospital ‘bed-blocking’.
The scheme aims to offer an alternative to hospitals and care homes for patients who have had minor operations and are ready for discharge.
These patients would instead recuperate in nearby private houses, earning the homeowners up to £1,000 a month. This scheme, which is being piloted in Essex, aims to tackle bed shortages and save money, but has been criticised by healthcare professionals who warn it would give too much responsibility to untrained members of the public.
The survey we conducted between the healthcare professionals in the M3 Global Research community aimed to know:
- Which problems might occur.
- Whether this creative approach is positive and we should see more initiatives like this in the future or not.
- Whether this is an overall good idea or not.
You can see the results of this survey below:
By registering with M3 Global Research you will receive the Monthly Pulse directly to your inbox and you will be able to share your opinion about relevant healthcare related issue and compare your thoughts with your colleagues around the World.
3 comments
As someone who use to work in HC before becoming fully disabled, I have concerns were a recovering patient would be in a complete strangers home. Anything can happen, even with the most basic of surgeries. And just like the foster care system, many folks get involved for the money. In those situations we see the horrific consequences. Not all are bad, but something I would be Leary of especially when someone is not in full condition to care or defend themselves.
They are required to heat up three microwave meals each day and supply drinks and are offered “host protection” as well as a helpline and training.
The company’s website said it aims to “provide patients with a practical alternative to hospitals and care homes to recuperate in”.
It adds: “Our hospitals are becoming increasingly full with patients who have nowhere to go, your spare room and bathroom can be safely converted to allow patients to be discharged for a maximum of two weeks, for remote carers to look after them and for minimal impact and risk to your daily life.”
The news comes amid the crisis of delayed discharges in hospitals.
Last week, Age UK warned that increasing numbers of elderly and frail patients are being “marooned” in hospital beds, despite being medically fit.
NHS figures show that last year, 2.2 million hospital “bed days” in England were lost due to delayed transfers of care.
I have always wondered why hospitals did not build hotel accommodations adjacent to the hospital. They could send recovering patients there at less cost and operate it much like an assisted living facility. Encouraging family to stay with the patient and assist with care. 1 or 2 nurses could operate facility. Have call buttons and an in room Skye type screen to check on patients and allow communication with a central nursing or communication area.