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The Remote Presence Robots in use at Saint Alphonsus were developed by InTouch Health Inc. The robotic system is comprised of the RP-7 Robot, ControlStation, and RP Connectivity Service. The Remote Presence technology is a web-based, wireless platform that can be accessed wherever Internet service is available. In essence, the technology allows physicians and other health care providers to be two places at once.

Dual-screen desktop computers and laptops equipped with a microphone, speaker, joystick, camera, and the Remote Presence software are used to control the Robot.

This technology allows physicians and other health care providers to be remotely present with patients, family and friends, and medical professionals. This technology provides a mechanism to extend the expertise of Saint Alphonsus specialists to multiple partnering hospitals that would otherwise lack specialty services. Additionally, this program enhances the consultative services that specialists at Saint Alphonsus are able to provide internally.

Click the image below to see a larger version of our telemedicine partners map

In addition to the Robot at Saint Alphonsus, Robots are currently located in the following hospitals:

• Cascade Medical Center, Cascade, ID
• Clearwater Valley Hospital, Orofino, ID
• Grande Ronde Hospital, La Grande, Oregon
• St. Elizabeth Health Services, Baker City, Oregon
• Holy Rosary Medical Center, Ontario, Oregon
• West Valley Medical Center, Caldwell, Idaho
• Walter Knox Memorial Hospital, Emmett, Idaho
• St. Mary’s Hospital, Cottonwood, ID

Examples of Remote Presence Technology Applications:

Emergency Specialist Program
The Emergency Specialist Program was developed to enhance the emergency care continuum from EMS/First Responders to rural emergency departments on through to those requiring tertiary trauma care. This program works in conjunction with the Saint Alphonsus Medical Access Center and offers support for our partnering health care providers by improving patient care coordination and providing emergent and specialty care consultations via state-of-the-art remote multi-presence technology. It also includes a strong ongoing educational component that enables local EMS, physicians and nurses to learn the most advanced and effective techniques from Saint Alphonsus physicians and nurses who care for these life threatening conditions every day. For more information on the Emergency Specialist Program, please contact Tatiana Reddy at tatiredd@sarmc.org.

Remote Patient Consultation Services
Physicians from Saint Alphonsus can use the robot to visually assess the patient, listen to the heart, lung, and bowel, examine bedside monitor data, and speak to the patient and local physician when patient consultations are requested by partnering hospitals. This program provides specialist expertise to facilities that may lack specialty services and allows for greater patient monitoring.

• Neonatologists provide consultation on premature and/or critically ill newborns
• Cardiologists can examine real-time ECHO data, examine EKGs and provide consultation for acute myocardial infarction
• Perinatologists provide consultation on high-risk pregnancies and can review real-time ultrasound data
• Intensivists who specialize in caring for the critically ill and injured can provide consultation on patients at partnering hospitals
• Psychologists provide outpatient clinics for patients requiring behavioral health consults

Communication with Families of Patients
If a family is not present when a physician consults a patient, the physician can use the Robot to be remotely present to answer any questions and update family members on the patient's progress.

Connecting Patients with Family and Friends
When a patient is transported to Saint Alphonsus from another location, family and friends unable to accompany them can use the robot to check-in and be present with that patient.

Educational Outreach
Telemedicine also offers a wide range of educational opportunities, including stroke, cardiac, trauma, and emergency services education to physicians and nurses within the network, either by the robot or online webinars. Another program available is the nursing program for new and experienced operating room nurses. This program focuses on current evidence-based best practices and the core competencies necessary for working in a surgical setting. The program is designed to be delivered either in-person or through telemedicine to our partnering facilities. For more information on educational opportunities, please contact Tatiana Reddy at tatiredd@sarmc.org.

Benefits of the Remote Presence Programs

• Increases availability of healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas
• Improves patient satisfaction
• Allows physicians to see and communicate with patients, families, and other healthcare providers even when not physically present
• Involves specialist in patients’ care prior to transfers from other hospitals

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