By Dan Hounsell

Healthcare systems came to rely on a range of new and expanding information technologies over the last 16 months as they sought to continue providing treatment to patients, both inside their facilities and elsewhere. Now, one emerging treatment trend faces possible hurdles, at least one of which has a direct bearing on healthcare facilities.

The pandemic accelerated "hospital at home" programs, which use remote monitoring and telehealth technologies to provide patients with hospital-level care in their homes, according to Becker’s Hospital Review.

But uncertainties remain about the care model's future. For example, health systems that have recently spent millions on new in-patient facilities might be tempted to delay hospital at home initiatives because they need patients to fill beds so they can recoup their investments.