Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #410FY0001 Telehospice
Requester:		Samira Beckwith			Organization:		Hope Hospice
Project Title:		Telehospice			Date Submitted:		01/31/2001 3:12:46 PM
Sponsors:		Bruce Kyle
Statewide Interest:		Increased affordable healthcare access to all Floridians.
Recipient:		Hope Hospice			Contact:		Keith Arnold
		9470 Health Park Circle			Contact Phone:		(850) 222-6333
		Fort Myers 33908
Counties:		Glades, Hendry, Lee
Service Area:		Private Organization
Project Description:
Hope Hospice is respectfully requesting assistance from the State of Florida in the form of a $300,000 demonstration grant to help develop a new technological approach to care called Telehospice. This technology has been identified as a powerful strategy to improve care for out minority and rural patients. It is also an opportunity to bring technology to populations who may not have acccess to this technology. Telehospice equipment resembles technology used in the business environment to facilitate video conferencing but also includes a thermometer, a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope. The ability to have face-to-face interaction with a patient without being physically present in the home offers countless benefits. Professional caregivers can quickly assess medical problems and begin treatment, providing needed emotional support without being viewed as intrusive by family members. Telehospice can also be used to discuss treatment options and choices, assist with teaching and counseling, and facilitate more efficient case assessment, management and documentation. Home visits will still be necessary, but this technology will assist by reducing the number of interruptions in the home, enabling minority and rural families to take a more primary role in the care of their dying loved ones.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
Ensure the citizens of Florida have equal and appropriate end-of-life healthcare and support.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:						$300,000
Identify item(s) in the Appropriations Bill to be reduced:
Specific Appropriation #:			216
Specific Appropriation Title:			Special Categories, Hospice Services
Amount to be reduced:			$300,000
Fund Source:			General Revenue
Total cost of the project:			$450,000
Request has been made to fund:				Operations
Type of funding match:		Private
	Total Cash Amount:		$150,000
Was this project previously funded by the State?							No
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?							Unknown
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?							No
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?							No
Is there a documented need for this project?							Yes
	Documentation:		The under-served minority and rural patients of Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties.
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?							Yes
	Hearing Body:		Lee County Legislative Delegation
	Meeting Date:		01/19/2001