A new pilot initiative between the Rockford Fire Department and SwedishAmerican Hospital has shown promising results in reducing unnecessary emergency room visits by "superusers." The program, which focused on patients who frequently use ambulance services, was successful this year—but questions remain about how to fund a broader rollout.

The program targeted eight out of an estimated 380 patients at SwedishAmerican who visit the emergency department more than ten times a year. These individuals often made dozens of trips to the ER annually. Through home visits conducted by nurses and firefighters during the first half of the year, the program significantly reduced the number of emergency room visits, according to Dr. Kathleen Kelly, Chief Clinical Integration Officer at SwedishAmerican.

Known as the Mobile Integrated Healthcare Pilot Program, it aimed to address the overuse of emergency services by offering proactive care and support. The goal was not only to cut down on avoidable ER visits but also to improve the overall health of these high-risk patients.

"After our team made proactive home visits to understand what was driving these patients to the emergency department, we saw a significant drop in both ER visits and ambulance transfers," Kelly explained.

Officials believe that expanding the program—potentially with support from all three major healthcare systems in the region—could be highly effective. This aligns with findings from similar mobile health programs across the country, which have also shown positive outcomes in reducing ER use and improving patient care.

During the first six months of 2014, the eight participants visited the emergency room a total of 65 times. By the same period in 2015, that number had dropped to just 30—a 54% reduction. In addition, they used ambulances 30 times in the first half of 2015, compared to 48 rides in 2014, marking a 38% decrease.

All of these patients suffer from complex medical conditions that require medication. However, many of their issues could be better addressed through regular visits to a primary care physician, leading to better long-term health outcomes, according to Kelly.

Many of them live in poverty or have limited incomes, making it difficult for them to access essential resources or transportation. Simply giving them a direct line to nurses who could answer their questions helped reduce unnecessary 911 calls and improved their ability to manage their health independently.

This program highlights the importance of community-based healthcare solutions in addressing the growing issue of over-reliance on emergency services. As the healthcare system continues to evolve, initiatives like this offer a glimpse into a more sustainable and patient-centered future.

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