Health care moves into the future. Glenn Gilman, CEMS advanced practice paramedic (in red) and Botsford Hospital emergency physician Sanford Vieder, D.O., demonstrate new Google Glass technology.
Important new technological progress to advance the health care of extended care residents. The Community Mobile Health Initiative was introduced at Botsford Commons Senior Community in March. The initial study, a collaboration among Botsford Hospital, Botsford Commons and Community EMS/Parastar, will identify opportunities to improve patient care and save on medical costs.
Important new technological progress to advance the health care of extended care residents
The Community Mobile Health Initiative was introduced at Botsford Commons Senior Community in March. The initial study, a collaboration among Botsford Hospital, Botsford Commons and Community EMS/Parastar, will identify opportunities to improve patient care and save on medical costs.
According to Kevin Bersche, Community EMS/Parastar corporate senior operations executive, Botsford Commons’ RNs will call a special number to have a Botsford Hospital emergency physician screen the patient’s symptoms. Then, an advanced practice paramedic will respond and send diagnostic data to that physician, using innovative products such as an electronic stethoscope, Google glasses and a blood testing device. This provides a virtual visit to Botsford’s Emergency Center.
Sanford Vieder, D.O., Botsford Hospital’s Emergency & Trauma Center chair and medical director, explains the initiative’s goals:
“This program is great for the patient and the family-everybody wins. The cost is lower, it’s effective care and there would be no bumpy ride on a gurney to a busy emergency room.”
The program’s vision demonstrates how care may one day be delivered to private homes. Its uniqueness lies in allowing physicians to diagnose and intervene remotely, Vieder notes. “It can allow us to change the way and place we deliver quality care.”
Dr. Sanford Vieder, center, explains the Community Mobile Health Initiative to State Rep. Christine Greig, left.
Recently, top staff members from the Healthcare Association of Michigan (HCAM) and State Representative Christine Greig (D-Farmington Hills) were on hand to witness a demonstration of the program at Botsford Commons. Grieg was impressed. She noted, “This new and innovative form of health care is exciting. And, I look forward to seeing the results of the initial study.”
Margaret Lightner receives a certificate of appreciation from State Rep. Christine Greig.
Grieg, who is serving her first term in office, met with HCAM leaders and Margaret Lightner, president & CEO, Botsford Commons, to discuss legislative issues relevant to seniors and health care.
In addition to touring the Botsford Commons campus and meeting with its residents, Greig helped celebrate National Long Term Care Administrators Week, which was Mach 8 to 14. She presented Lightner with a certificate of appreciation to honor her excellent service as Botsford Commons’ administrator.
Numbers of note
28 percent
- The approximate percentage of our Emergency Center (EC) patients who arrive from extended care facilities (ECF). Also, 40 percent of patients arriving from an ECF to Botsford’s EC are transferred back to the ECF following their EC episode.
- The percentage of all patients seen in Botsford’s EC who are then admitted to the hospital. Patients transferred from an ECF to an EC have a much higher probability of admission to the hospital, even though their condition may not completely warrant it. The Community Mobile Health Initiative specifically targets this group of patients to provide treatment at the ECF, rather than having them transported to an EC.
- The national percentage of ECF patients who are readmitted to a hospital within 30 days of their inpatient stay.
