Difference between Home Health and Traditional Hospital Nursing The obvious difference between traditional hospital nursing and home health nursing is the setting in which care is conducted. In a hospital setting the nurse has the advantage of being familiar with the patient’s surroundings and care is given based on the nurse’s priorities. Home health nursing differs by having the nurse adapt to the patients home environment while working around the patient’s schedule to provide that care. In a traditional hospital setting, nurses would usually provide all the care for the patient, however because home health nursing is done at the patients home families assume more responsibility over the patient by providing care taught to them by the nurse.
Distinguishing Roles of the Multi-Disciplinary Team Each member of the multi-disciplinary team plays a vital role during the course of the patient’s treatment. According to Carol Taylor, Carol Lillis, Priscilla Lemone, and Pamela Lynn, authors of the Fundamentals of Nursing book:
The physician certifies that the patients may receive home healthcare and provides a plan of care for the patient. The nurse supervises and coordinates direct care to patients, families, and healthcare providers. Social workers assist patient and family in dealing with the social, emotional, and environmental factors that affect their well-being (Taylor, Lillis, LeMone, & Lynn, 2008).
Other members such as the physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech pathologist may play a part in the recovery of the patient depending on their diagnosis. The physical therapist