Adopting telemedicine in practice Support patient and care-team coordination and communication through remote patient monitoring

Telemedicine has resulted in... Reduced morbidity and mortality Improved patient outcomes Lowered overall cost of care

Director of the UVA Telemedicine Office “  With a stroke, every minute matters. With this telestroke model, we’re applying the blazing speed of the internet to life-saving decisions about therapy while patients are en route to the hospital. ” David Cattell-Gordon Director of the UVA Telemedicine Office

+ + Telemedicine is… Often supplemented by mHealth apps Real-time, audio-video communication tools that connect providers and patients in different locations Telehealth Remote patient-monitoring tools such as home blood pressure monitors, Bluetooth-enabled digital scales and other devices that can communicate biometric data for review

Why should you embrace telemedicine? Enhanced wellness Chronic disease management Enables access Improved efficiency Increased patient safety

Four steps to adopt telemedicine in your practice 1 Familiarize yourself with federal and state laws regulations 2 Identify a telemedicine service model that best meets your goals and the needs of your patients 3 Determine the technology and support needed while following all applicable privacy laws 4 Understand appropriate practice guidelines to initiate a telemedicine service model

Tools/Resources available to your practice

How is it working at other practices? Charlottesville, VA Steps in Practice Summary – University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, VA In Drs. Nina Solenski and Andy Southerland’s (both Vascular Neurologists) practice, they identified a need for expedited care when it comes to acute stroke patients. Patients were arriving at the ED past time-sensitive treatment windows, which lead to decreased patient outcomes and frustrated physicians. They adopted a telemedicine program for stroke patients (telestroke). A mobile telestroke model (called iTREAT), allows EMS providers to videoconference with the on-call neurologist during transport, which leads to expedited consults and patient care. They also utilize Stat-Pak, which activates an acute stroke alert as soon as the patient arrives in the ED. The program also includes educational training and opportunity for emergency providers, the community, and healthcare practitioners. Telestroke Impact: Costs are minimal using readily available technology. Increased access to therapy Reduction in time to treatment Growth of strong connections/network between low-access hospitals and facilities with advanced stroke programs

For additional resources, frequently asked questions and implementation support, visit www.stepsforward.org!