Bupa has announced its customers in greater Sydney and greater Melbourne needing haemodialysis now have the option to receive treatment in their own home with the launch of Dialysis Choices.
The company 'Dialysis Choices' adds to Bupa’s suite of existing 'Choices Programs' that give customers the option of personalised care and treatment at home for chemotherapy, rehabilitation and palliative care.
Gael Filippini, director of Bupa Healthcare Management, said the company had seen a spike in customers choosing to receive their care at home during 2020.
“The past year has changed the way we think about our healthcare and accelerated trends towards customers wanting to receive care in a time and place that suits them, whether that be via telehealth or at-home treatment.
“In 2020 we saw a 54 percent jump in members choosing to have their chemo, rehab or palliative care treatments at home. Having this option has been critical for many of our customers with underlying illnesses and vulnerabilities which made it even more challenging for them to leave home during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ms Filippini.
Bupa said a recent survey of customers on its Chemotherapy Choices program found more than 90 per cent viewed having their treatment at home as excellent and 100 per cent of customers would have their treatment at home again.
Ms Filippini said she expected the convenience of the Dialysis Choices program to be similarly received, with most members who receive haemodialysis treatment currently spending up to six hours in hospital three times a week.
“Evidence shows it’s safe to transition most patients to home dialysis which can help to lessen the interruption in their day-to-day lives. Our delivery partner, Dialysis Australia, will facilitate the installation of the dialysis machine in their home to make the experience as easy as possible. This is done at no extra cost to the member,” said Ms Filippini.
Since 2018, the number of members using Bupa’s at home programs has increased by 88 per cent, said the company.