Stroke patients to benefit from Allina Telehealth Network at River Falls Area Hospital
RIVER FALLS, Wisc. 01/12/2011--Stroke care experts at United Hospital in St. Paul will soon be accessible, 24–hours a day, to patients at River Falls Area Hospital via the Allina Telehealth Network.
For patients experiencing a stroke, rapid access to therapy that can restore cerebral blood flow improves the likelihood of a successful outcome.
How does the Allina Telehealth Network work?
Allina Hospitals & Clinics is a leading resource for comprehensive stroke care with 24–hour access to neurologists and interventional neuroradiologists. However, access to this level of expertise in regional hospitals is limited.
The Allina Telehealth Network allows neurologists to provide real–time assessment of stroke patients via telehealth equipment located in the Emergency Department.
- The River Falls Area Hospital Emergency Department physician reviews the patient's status and determines the need for stroke evaluation.
- The patient and physician then speak directly to the stroke neurologist via the telehealth system.
- The neurologist conducts the patient exam via telehealth equipment and evaluates the patient's data and CT scan.
- The neurologist determines whether the patient is a candidate for interventional treatment.
- Neurologist and the attending physician collaborate to determine the best treatment plan for patient and treatment / therapy is started. For more severe cases, the patient is transferred to United Hospital for further intervention.
For example, a Remote Presence RP–7® Robot allows a United Hospital stroke expert to examine patients at River Falls Area Hospital. This access to specialty care will enhance the availability of acute stroke treatment in River Falls. A consulting neurologist will work with the attending provider to develop a plan of care and will strive to keep care local when possible.
"Timeliness of care is especially important when caring for a stroke patient, since time essentially equals the amount of brain functioning that can be preserved," said Dave Miller, River Falls Area Hospital President. "Telehealth will enable more rapid assessment by stroke experts for patients in River Falls. By doing so, our goal is to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes by allowing patients to receive care close to home, improving quality, and assuring a well coordinated transfer when more advanced treatment is required."
About River Falls Area Hospital
River Falls Area Hospital is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a not-for-profit health care system of hospitals, clinics and other patient care services that provides exceptional care to communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. More information about Allina Hospitals & Clinics facilities, services and jobs can be found online at allina.com.
# # #
|
