For this client, success is spelled AHBT
Since its initial launch in Vancouver five years ago, the Acute Home Based Treatment Program (AHBT) continues to win rave reviews.
For one client, the treatment he’s received through AHBT has been nothing short of life-changing. His letter, received by VCH this week and condensed below, explains how the innovative program has helped.
“…Thanks to your acute home-based treatment team from VGH, I have learned how to better manage my mood disorder. I would like to thank the team and everyone involved in its creation, and I cannot recommend it enough to other people who have the same sort of issues as I do. It has made seeking early help an easy thing to do. With my introduction to your acute home-based treatment program, I was able to have more one-on-one time with mental health professionals on a daily basis than I would have had in hospital by about a four-to- one factor.
In the process of receiving treatment from your acute based on treatment program staff I learned so much from their observations and insights as they got to know me….My experience from being a client has been very rewarding and, in fact, life-changing, and I cannot stress enough that this program should be expanded to cover as many areas in the province. Congratulations on creating such an outstanding program with outstanding staff.”
The program:
Acute Home Based Treatment became regional in 2011. It offers short-term acute psychiatric care for clients with mental illness, in their home setting instead of going to hospital. The planning of visits and treatment interventions are discussed and negotiated so as to fit in with the person’s life.
“Not only is the foundation of the program, treatment in the client’s home, it is about a partnership…a partnership with the client, their family, their Primary Care service provider, and the treating team,” said Andrew MacFarlane, Director, Mental Health and Addiction, Urban.
AHBT aligns with VCH’s Home is Best philosophy. It is the belief that home is the best place for people to live as long as they are safely able to do so, the best place for people to recover from an illness once they no longer require hospital care and the best place for clients and their family members to consider future care options and match those to the specific client needs.
AHBT fast facts*:
- Total clients referred – 660
- Acute admissions reduced from 507 to 338 ( decrease of 33%)
- Total length of stay in hospital reduced from 6,675 to 5,159 – a reduction of 1,516 (decrease of 23%)
- Ed visits reduced from 1,140 to 819 (decrease of 28%)
- ED visits resulting in acute admissions reduced from 441 to 277 (decrease of 37%)
* Program start date in 2008 to March 31, 2013 for VGH, PHC, LGH, RH
Links to more ABHT information & stories:
- Acute Home Based Treatment (AHBT)
- Home-based treatment benefits clients and reduces admissions
- Taking it to the streets – Vancouver Sun – April 2013