Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #346FY0001 Telehospice
Requester:		Samira Beckwith			Organization:		Hope Hospice
Project Title:		Telehospice			Date Submitted:		2/16/01 11:03:34 AM
Sponsors:		Burt Saunders
Statewide Interest:		Project is designed to meet the statewide objective of increasing affordable healthcare access.
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 our minority and rural patients. It is also an opportunity to bring technology to populatios who may not have access to this technoloty. Telehospice equipment resembles technology used in the business environment to facilitate video conferencing, but also inculdes a thermometer, a blood pressure cuff, and a stethoscope. The ability to have fact-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 chices, 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 nuber of interruptions in the home, enabling minority and rural families to take a more primary role in the care of their dying loved one.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
Ensure the citizens of FLorida have equal and appropriate end-of-life health care and support.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:						$300,000
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 Lee, Hendry and Glades 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 Legisltive Delegation
	Meeting Date:		1/19/01