Patients at a Jefferson Health emergency department in Philadelphia might see a clinician on screen before seeing one in person with the hospital’s “tele-triage,” arrangement, according to an article on the HealthTech website.
By speaking via secure video chat a doctor or physician assistant can gather information and even approve a discharge without taking up a bed or treatment room.
“We can evaluate a patient that may or may not have the flu or a cold or COVID, and you don’t have to put a provider in there with them.” said Dr. Judd Hollander, senior vice president for healthcare delivery innovation at Jefferson Health.
Treating incoming patients in a separate part of a care facility also helps avoid cross-contamination. Patients who screen positive in ambulatory care settings can be given a tablet and isolated in an exam room.
CRAB Alert: The EVS Role in Preventing Infection
Why Hospital Waiting Rooms Aren't Going Away
Ground Broken on Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Hospital
Design, Compartmentation, Training: How Defend-in-Place Strategies Can Protect Patients
Milestone Marked with Topping Out Ceremony for BayCare Hospital Manatee