Articles
Fairfield Medical Center Uses Telemedicine Technology
LANCASTER, Ohio (June 2, 2011) – Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Fairfield Medical Center have come together to provide families from rural areas the chance to benefit from the pediatric expertise Nationwide Children’s specialists have to offer.
Telemedicine, also known as videoconferencing, enhances accessibility and communication between physicians through real-time videoconferencing, allowing the referral center physicians to visually access the patient and review diagnostic images and data in real-time. This technology enables specialists in Columbus, Ohio to view distressed children or newborns with exceptional clarity, examine detailed x-rays, view lab results and consult with pediatric physicians in Lancaster, Ohio.
"This new technology allows us to provide a higher quality of care to our patients and we are looking forward to the many advantages it provides," said Mary McGee, Maternity Department Manager at Fairfield Medical Center. "This form of communication allows the physicians to visualize the patient when making clinical decisions. It has been a pleasure working with Nationwide Children's Hospital."
This enhanced form of communication allows:
• Great collaboration with Nationwide Children’s specialists who can gain more comprehensive knowledge of a patient’s case through a real-time video connection.
• Expedited transport and placement of patients that require intensive or special care services.
• Ability to provide remote assistance if a patient’s condition suddenly worsens.
• Improved likelihood of families being able to continue care at their home hospital.
• Reducing the number of patients sent to other facilities seeking specialty services.
• If the patient is transferred to Nationwide Children’s or another NICU facility, the referring physician can take part in rounding (also known as reverse rounding) which ultimately helps improve the continuity of care once baby is discharged.
• Better control of medical expenses.
• Education opportunities offered via teleconference.
• 10-15 minute Baby-cam sessions allow mothers (who have not been discharged) to see their baby at another location.
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