Technology affects many aspects of our lives, from banking to how we form relationships. At Riverside, technology has the potential to massively improve and transform patient care and outcomes. As technologies have improved and even more resources have become available, Riverside Tappahannock Hospital benefits from the use of technology in telemedicine applications, in the equipment used to guide surgery, in state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging systems and even with hospital beds that are “smart” enough to alert staff of patient movement.
ACCESS TO SPECIALIZED CARE FROM ANYWHERE
Telemedicine – which means “healing from a distance” – has been used to extend the provider reach for decades. At Riverside, telemedicine began as a way to bring the specialists and expertise based at one facility to other parts of the system without the need for physical travel.
Dr. Jeffrey Sodowsky, a critical care intensivist, regularly rounds on patients at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital’s ICU. He works in collaboration with hospitalists and specialists in Tappahannock to access patient conditions, adjust care plans and medications and communicate with staff and family. He does this all via robot while he’s physically located in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Sodowsky is with Eagle Telemedicine, a company that currently partners with Riverside to provide remote ICU monitoring.
“A critical care intensivist and on-site hospitalist conduct patient rounds twice daily with the telemedicine robot,” explains Dr. Alvaro Puig, a hospitalist at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital. “We can respond to patient needs in minutes and our ability to consult with a critical care specialist through telemedicine is sometimes even faster than if someone had to physically come from another part of the hospital.”
In addition to ICU care, Riverside Tappahannock Hospital also uses telemedicine for emergency consultation, mental health assessment, or providing stroke assessment. Telemedicine has become an integral way that the hospital delivers on its mission.
TECHNOLOGY HELPS TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT PATIENTS
Physicians and care team members at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital rely on some of the industry’s best and most advanced technology to aid in diagnosing and treating patients every day. Imaging studies from 3D mammography, CT scans and MRIs are provided using the very latest medical technology. And the portability of digital images means that providers in Tappahannock can easily connect, review and share with experts from across the system.
The surgical suites at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital also provide surgeons like Dr. Tyler Wind the ability to perform both routine and complex orthopedic cases with full confidence because the equipment is the same as what you might find in many larger urban hospital centers.
“Our unique offerings like the anterior approach to hip replacement reflect the most advanced treatment options,” explains Wind. “This minimally invasive surgery relies on imaging capabilities in the operating room and gives patients the best possible outcome. Most patients can go home the next day.”
ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS THAT ARE COMPREHENSIVE AND MAKE COLLABORATION EASY
When Riverside Tappahannock Hospital and all the local Riverside Medical Group offices implemented the Epic electronic health record, patients received a new level of clarity and control over their personal health information. And providers have better access to all the pieces of information that help them develop comprehensive care plans.Patients can schedule appointments, request prescription refills, see test results and ask their provider a question through Riverside MyChart, the safe, secure patient portal connected to their Epic health record. Some providers even offer video visits through the portal. This expanded access to health information is accessible via computer, tablet or smartphone.
HOSPITAL BEDS SO SMART, THEY TALK BACK
One of the primary concerns for inpatient care are patients with a high risk of falling. Patients are often unsteady and, if they attempt to get out of bed unassisted, risk falling and hurting themselves. Riverside Tappahannock Hospital recently invested in beds that have technology that not only alerts staff if a patient attempts to get out of bed, but it is programmed to talk directly to the patient.
When the call button is pushed, the bed tells the patient that the care team has been called. If a patient tries to get out of bed without hitting the call button, the bed actually says, “Please don’t get up, the care team has been called.” The beds are equipped to communicate in five different languages.
The beds also monitor heart and respiratory rates. They have built in lights at the foot of the bed and patients can adjust the comfort of the mattress based on personal preference.
Whether in person, via robot or over a video screen, technology is helping Riverside team members deliver better health care every day.