Video technology extends hospice effectiveness
Video technology extends hospice effectiveness
Program helps providers respond quickly
On a recent evening, a patient with urinary problems who is part of the Southfield-based Hospice of Michigan program complained about extreme pain and discomfort.
Under ordinary circumstances, a hospice nurse would have had to drive an hour to provide help. But in this case the nurse merely asked the caregiver to point a camera at the patient’s Foley catheter, checked the video screen on her office computer, and determined that the catheter was kinked. She instructed the caregiver how to fix the problem, saving her an hour-long trip.
The patient is part of Telehospice, a new study being conducted by Michigan State University researchers in East Lansing and Hospice of Michigan. The technology allows Hospice of Michigan teams to consult with the families face-to-face, although those involved may be separated by dozens or hundreds of miles.
Interactive video technology equipment that uses standard telephone lines is installed in patients’ homes enabling them to see nurses, doctors, social workers, or even a chaplain via the Telehospice system. The equipment includes a speaker phone, mini-video camera, and television monitor.
The Telehospice technology is designed to supplement traditional hospice home visits.
"It doesn’t totally replace the on-site visit but it is amazing what you can do on the system," says Pamela Whitten, PhD, assistant professor of telecommunication at Michigan State University and lead researcher on the project.
The equipment is provided to patient at no charge, and the cost of toll calls will be paid by the Hospice of Michigan.
The hospice teams are able to enhance the video image of the patient by using the keypad of the touch-tone phone. The nurse can zoom in on a medicine bottle held up by the patient.
"When problems or questions arise, the hospice doctor, nurse, or social worker can see and talk to the family, assess the situation, and respond more quickly than if they had to drive to the location," Whitten says.
Patients in both rural and urban settings are included in the project. Researchers will compare the two settings to learn the difference in usage and acceptances. "Downtown Detroit is a very challenging area in which to provide health care because there are so many socioeconomic issues," Whitten says.
The project began in April and has worked well so far, she reports. "We’re finding that there are a number of things you can take care of, either by fixing it or by easing the patients’ and caregivers’ minds," she adds.
For instance, the social worker often gives new Hospice of Michigan patients a "tuck-in" call at night to make sure they’re OK.
The project has the potential to save a tremendous amount of time by increasing the number of patients the health care provider can see in a day.
A hospice nurse who has to drive to see patients may be able to see only three or four a day. If she can combine her visits with telemedicine, she could double or triple the number of patients served, Whitten points out.
In urban areas, where providers face the challenge of going into rough neighborhoods, the hospice often sends two providers at a time to see patients. Right off the bat, telemedicine can double the staff’s efficiency and save time.
The project is staffed by two researchers and the hospice organization which includes a full range of nurses and social workers who provide care.
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