Coping with the fast-paced world that we live in, the healthcare system is becoming more interconnected and undergoing a tectonic shift. They are creating and operating and mobile clinics as a sure way to adapt to the changing healthcare preferences. You can also them mobile health clinics or MHCs.
- These are customized vehicles to reach communities and provide them with preventive and high-quality care.
- You can set up a clinic in multiple convenient locations for operating as a health resource in deprived communities.
- Though you can provide a range of medical services, such as mental health resources, urgent care, and primary care.
From social services, and preventive care to chronic disease management, mobile health clinics have become an innovative model of the thriving healthcare industry. You often refit recreational vehicles to make MHS. They hold the necessary equipment and medical staff, depending on the operations.
- MHCs also have the potential to replace emergency room visits, helping hospitals prioritize care and curbing pressure on emergency departments. Eric Dalius estimates the ROI at $13 per dollar you invest.
- There’s a huge scope for healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs to invest in this care model.
Drivers and obstacles
Mobility is the biggest advantage of MHCs, asserts Eric Dalius. Flexible deployment of clinics depends on the changing needs of patients. Considering that geography, distance, transportation, and time are major barriers in accessing healthcare, MHCs are instrumental in reducing some of them.
- Since their service versatility is another advantage. Hospitals are outfitting their vehicles’ interiors for accommodating mammography equipment and exam rooms.
- You can customize mobile clinics to meet the needs of your business and the communities you’re serving.
- As a business, you can link community settings and clinical resources to foster trust and good faith among patients. That’s your business asset.
- Companies providing mobile medical care programs are facing some logistical and functional challenges.
- However, some healthcare professionals aren’t familiar with directing a mobile health cell. They need to understand the dynamics and strategize likewise. So the current payment modality also needs an overhaul.
Your business directive
Eric J Dalius provides some great tips to start your mobile health clinic business. The first step is to target a segment/community.
- You need to identify minority and low-income populations that are more vulnerable to diseases and illnesses and would be the biggest beneficiaries of mobile clinic care.
- A culturally competent and smart staff is very important. Mobile clinic clients may come from diverse backgrounds.
- They may not hold your cultural beliefs or social standing. Your staff must follow a knowledgeable and caring model of amiable, non-judgmental, and seamless care.
- Many MHCs are partnering with community organizations. You need to have good contacts with rehabilitation facilities, community health units, food pantries, and social service groups.
- Your business can allow client referrals to help those who need help beyond the mobile clinic resources. You can use the pointers to design the program model.
Therefore, you need to identify convenient and key locations for parking your van. Grassroots marketing is very crucial. Distribute flyers to associate organizations and partners. These may include childcare programs, schools, and churches.