Pneumonia Care
Nearly 1 in 5 people with pneumonia make costly, stressful return trips to the hospital within the first 30 days of being diagnosed with the condition. Individuals with pneumonia also are at a higher risk of having additional, underlying conditions that can make it more difficult to get better without assistance. Research shows that many of these rehospitalizations are potentially preventable through the use of proactive, team-based care-coordination programs. BrightStar Care is the only homecare provider equipped with the expertise and passion to work with patients, families, and physicians to reduce the likelihood of hospital readmissions for individuals with pneumonia.
BrightStar Clinical Pathways for Pneumonia uses clinically proven methods to educate people with pneumonia and their families on the key aspects of the condition and how to monitor symptoms, adhere to a plan of care, take their medication, improve wellness, and stay healthy.
The BrightStar RN Clinical Pathways Coordinator and the BrightStar team of specially trained Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides make sure the:
- Patient clearly understands the plan of care from the physician and takes the necessary steps needed to get better
- Family feels confident their loved one can self-manage their condition
- Physician is kept up to date on the patient’s condition and made aware of any circumstances that may require attention
The primary focus to improve the wellness of individuals with pneumonia is to make sure they take their antibiotics and that early signs of decline are addressed promptly. The BrightStar Clinical Pathways team actively engages with a person with pneumonia through regular in-home visits and phone calls to make sure the individual takes their medicine and understands why it’s so important to do so. BrightStar Clinical Pathways team members are specially trained to look for and communicate key changes in symptoms to stay ahead of any potentially dangerous changes in an individual’s condition.
What happens during a BrightStar Clinical Pathways Pneumonia visit? LUNG CARE!
BrightStar RN Clinical Pathway Coordinator:
- Listen to the client’s and family’s concerns
- Understand their antibiotic regimen, and gauge how well the individual and their family are coping with the diagnosis, and understand
- Nursing Assessment: Perform a focused physical assessment with attention to respiratory system and oxygenation
- Go over: Physician orders, medications, appointment date and things to bring, and Plan of Care with Client and Family
BrightStar CNAs and HHAs
- Check: Client’s vital signs / pulse oximetry, home safety, and food, medication, and equipment supplies
- Assist: Daily living activities, use of incentive spirometer if ordered
- Review and Reassure: Plan for the day, maintain a helping attitude, remind individual to use pursed lip breathing
- Exit: Complete required paperwork, call the BrightStar RN Clinical Pathways Coordinator with update, and ask if they’ve met all needs
Exclusive BrightStar Clinical Pathways Resources for pneumonia patients and their families
- Knowledge Guidebook – Think of this as the story of the condition that the individual, caregiver, physician, and family can reference to track progress.
- Client and family education material – Informative, illustrated packet provides useful information on how to stay healthy.
- Symptom alert – Easy-to-read reference card helps monitor symptoms:
- Green = I am doing well
- Yellow = I should notify a family member, caregiver, or doctor
- Red = Time to call 911
- www.CareTogether.com – Free online resource for family caregivers that lets the individual and family coordinate the caregiving schedule and communicate with each other. Links to BrightStar calendar so family knows when and whom will be visiting from BrightStar.
Other BrightStar Clinical Pathways include:
