Young entrepreneur starts healthcare coordination service

Quentin Otalora, a 21-year-old nursing graduate, has launched a new business called Coordi Santé, which has been operational for only a few weeks. The business is based in the commune of Uchaud, where Otalora has lived since childhood, and was developed over ten months of planning and research.

Inspired by healthcare professionals' concerns

The idea for the company came from conversations with medical secretaries, social assistants, nurses, and health managers, who all expressed concerns about the lack of structured return home planning for patients. Otalora notes that currently, there is no single entity responsible for organizing the return home, leading to readmissions or prolonged hospital stays due to problems encountered at home.

How the service works for patients

The service involves patients or their families contacting Coordi Santé via phone, email, or the website's form. A coordinator then collects information about the patient's condition, necessary care, and home adaptations. After contracts are signed, an independent nurse from a network of 16 partners visits the home to assess the situation, fill out forms, take photos, and record measurements for required equipment.

Coordination of care and equipment

The coordinator then arranges for the delivery of equipment and connects with service providers such as nurses, physiotherapists, meal delivery services, and personal assistants. Prescriptions are also sent to the pharmacy in advance to ensure everything is ready on the day of discharge. This coordination aims to reduce disruptions and ensure a smoother transition from hospital to home.

Service packages and target patients

Coordi Santé offers a package for the first week, including two home visits to check on the patient's condition and the use of equipment. A monthly subscription allows for on-site visits at the first sign of any issues. The support lasts two to three weeks, depending on the chosen package. The company serves a range of patients, from those with simple discharges to those with more complex needs, though most are elderly or have lost their autonomy.

Balancing studies, work, and growth

Otalora manages his nursing studies, business, and personal life with a demanding schedule, working on Coordi Santé during breaks, evenings, and weekends. He acknowledges the challenges of developing the business, including drafting contracts with a lawyer, implementing software, and ensuring timely delivery of equipment and services for patients. His short-term goal is to focus on the first patients, with plans to expand to other sectors and hire more coordinators in the medium term. Long-term, he aims to expand the service to other departments to increase accessibility.