Levos is the name of our outpatient service care program. Levos serves as an adjunct home-based service for those who are seriously ill, but not wanting hospice care at present. The name is taken from the Latin word “levo” meaning to “lift up” or “relieve”. The focus of service care is patient and family-centered care that optimizes comfort and quality of life by anticipating, preventing and treating the symptoms of disease and side effects of curative treatment. Levos Service care encourages patient choice by offering information about all treatment options available and encouraging shared decision making between the patient, family and healthcare practitioners. It also addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and family. The program is designed for those who are dealing with chronic and progressive illness. Examples of these types of illnesses are: advanced cancers, congestive heart failure (CHF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Frequent hospitalizations and/or emergency room visits may be an indicator that service care could be helpful.
A hallmark of the Levos program is a dedicated registered nurse, called the Patient Care Guide. The Patient Care Guide provides care coordination and case management, including the roles of patient advocacy and care navigation. The Patient Care Guide will also ensure that the services provided are consistent with that patient’s needs and wishes as documented in the individualized plan of care.
Physicians
ARNPs & RNs
Social Workers
Chaplains
Volunteers
Home Health Aide
Levos Service Care strives for and promotes shared decision making among the patient, family and the treating providers. These discussions present both the benefits and burdens of the treatment choices available to the patient. The role of Levos staff and clinicians in this process is to listen to and clarify the wishes of the patient regarding future tests, treatments and care plans.
The written plan of care that results from shared decision making enables the patient and family to not only direct their care, but also ensure that their wishes for treatment are reflected properly. When completed, the patient’s wishes are shared with all other healthcare providers. A common theme throughout care planning and goals of care discussions will be weighing the benefits the patient is receiving from curative treatment against the burdens of curative treatment. A discussion on this topic is an important component of informed decision making by the patient and family.
Changes in health care settings, such as going from the hospital to home, can be a confusing time for the patient and family. Discharge instructions may be confusing or may conflict with the information you received from other providers. The Levos Patient Care Guide can assist with resolving confusion over which medications to take and can communicate with and update your primary care and specialist providers who may be unaware of a hospitalization. These steps can help to make your transition home more successful and reduce the chances of re-hospitalization.
Levos patients will have more complex health care needs and require more intensive support from a wide variety of providers and caregivers. The Patient Care Guide will help patients “navigate” the healthcare system. This means that the Patient Care Guide will help you access appropriate and timely care, find doctors and review treatment options. In short, the Patient Care Guide serves as the coach and quarterback of the health care team.