Cooper Health Launches Mobile Unit to Bring Primary Care to Patients with Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Their Own Homes.
A mobile healthcare unit has been introduced by Cooper University Health Care as part of its efforts to provide primary care services to patients with autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. This innovative approach aims to alleviate the stress and discomfort often associated with visiting doctors' offices or hospitals for these individuals.
According to Dr. Franziska Jovin, senior vice president and chief experience officer at Cooper University Health Care, certain medical procedures can be overwhelming due to sensory issues. For instance, patients who have sensory impairment may react poorly to even simple touch or examination techniques, while those with auditory sensitivity are often distressed by new noises and unfamiliar environments.
The mobile unit brings much-needed comfort and familiarity to these patients by offering healthcare services in the setting of their choice - whether that's at home, a day program, community residence, or group home. The team consists of a nurse practitioner and medical assistant who coordinate with patients' primary care doctors at Cooper University Health Care.
"We work hand-in-hand," says Erin Shipley, vice president of consumer experience at Cooper University Health Care. "It's a seamless partnership between our primary care physicians and the mobile program."
The mobile unit provides an extensive range of services including sick visits, routine health assessments, follow-up care, medication management, preventative screenings, and more. The staff who provide on-site care are trained to cater to the unique needs of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A key factor in this program is creating a comfortable environment for nonverbal patients, where communication can be challenging. By providing medical services in an environment that feels most familiar and comfortable to them, these patients are better able to navigate the healthcare system without experiencing anxiety or agitation.
This mobile unit is just one part of Cooper University Health Care's broader efforts launched in 2023 to better address the needs of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program has received funding from a $2 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Health, which has also supported specialized education for staff and providers as well as improved care coordination.
With this mobile unit, Cooper University Health Care is removing one of the major barriers to healthcare access for these patients - requiring family members or caregivers to accompany them to doctor's appointments. The impact is already being seen in terms of better clinical outcomes and more effective treatment plans.
A mobile healthcare unit has been introduced by Cooper University Health Care as part of its efforts to provide primary care services to patients with autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. This innovative approach aims to alleviate the stress and discomfort often associated with visiting doctors' offices or hospitals for these individuals.
According to Dr. Franziska Jovin, senior vice president and chief experience officer at Cooper University Health Care, certain medical procedures can be overwhelming due to sensory issues. For instance, patients who have sensory impairment may react poorly to even simple touch or examination techniques, while those with auditory sensitivity are often distressed by new noises and unfamiliar environments.
The mobile unit brings much-needed comfort and familiarity to these patients by offering healthcare services in the setting of their choice - whether that's at home, a day program, community residence, or group home. The team consists of a nurse practitioner and medical assistant who coordinate with patients' primary care doctors at Cooper University Health Care.
"We work hand-in-hand," says Erin Shipley, vice president of consumer experience at Cooper University Health Care. "It's a seamless partnership between our primary care physicians and the mobile program."
The mobile unit provides an extensive range of services including sick visits, routine health assessments, follow-up care, medication management, preventative screenings, and more. The staff who provide on-site care are trained to cater to the unique needs of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A key factor in this program is creating a comfortable environment for nonverbal patients, where communication can be challenging. By providing medical services in an environment that feels most familiar and comfortable to them, these patients are better able to navigate the healthcare system without experiencing anxiety or agitation.
This mobile unit is just one part of Cooper University Health Care's broader efforts launched in 2023 to better address the needs of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program has received funding from a $2 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Health, which has also supported specialized education for staff and providers as well as improved care coordination.
With this mobile unit, Cooper University Health Care is removing one of the major barriers to healthcare access for these patients - requiring family members or caregivers to accompany them to doctor's appointments. The impact is already being seen in terms of better clinical outcomes and more effective treatment plans.
it's like cooper university health care is totally getting what's up with autism and developmental disabilities, you know? they're not just talking about it, they're doing something about it 
by bringing healthcare to the patients in their own homes, they're removing so much stress and anxiety. and it's all about creating a comfortable environment for these patients, which is honestly super smart 
i mean, who wouldn't want to have medical care in a place that feels like home? 
and the fact that they've got trained staff on board who can cater to their unique needs is just amazing 
it's not just about treating the symptoms, it's about creating a whole new way of doing healthcare. and i think this is gonna make such a huge difference in people's lives 
I'm loving this new mobile unit initiative by Cooper Health! 
The stats are staggering! 
This new program is not only addressing health disparities but also reducing anxiety and agitation for nonverbal patients. 
The fact that it's now possible for family members or caregivers to stay behind while their loved ones receive care is a huge win too! 
According to a study, 76% of individuals with autism experience high levels of stress when visiting healthcare settings. 
This mobile unit is definitely helping to alleviate some of that stress. 
The $2 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Health is well invested in this program - it's estimated that every dollar spent on person-centered care yields a 2:1 return on investment! 
. I mean, can you imagine having to deal with sensory overload just because you have to go to the doctor's office? Its like they say, "home sweet home" and this mobile unit is definitely making healthcare more accessible for those who need it most 
. Its just another example of how technology can be used to improve people's lives and make things easier for them 
mobile units are the future!
. but seriously, this is awesome news. it's like they're saying "ok, we get it, these patients need more comfort and control in their healthcare experience". and with that $2 million grant, i guess you could say they're really "cooper-ating" to make a difference 
I'm so happy 
at home! And the fact that they've got trained staff who cater to their unique needs is like, totally genius 
. I'm so proud of Cooper Health for taking a step forward in making healthcare more inclusive and patient-centered 
having a doc come to u at home must be super stress less, esp when you got sensory issues 
. this mobile unit is like a game changer 
. I'm all about this kind of innovative thinking and inclusivity. And the fact that the staff is trained to cater to their unique needs is just amazing 
. This move by Cooper University Health Care is not only awesome but also a huge step towards removing barriers to healthcare access for these patients 
what about sensory issues? what about anxiety? this mobile unit shows that they're finally willing to listen and adapt to these ppl's needs.
we still need to address the systemic issues that led us to this point. like, where were the advocates for these individuals all along? why wasn't this mobile unit a part of their plans from the start? 