Telehealth equipment was purchased for the clinic by EHealth – the Ministry of Health’s technology services – as part of a trial case. Four other locations in the province also received the equipment to increase patient and provider uptake of virtual clinics in a new setting.
“This became an opportunity to align patients with the best possible venue, using staff at the clinic for Telehealth services rather than asking them to go to the already busy emergency department at the Weyburn General Hospital,” says SCHR regional director of primary health care Wanda Miller.
“Most of the targeting services for the site involves specialist referrals and ongoing disease management, both of which are perfect for the primary care setting.
“Another consideration is that there is no chance of service interruptions due to outbreaks in the other facilities.”
Telehealth sessions hosted to date include pre-op sessions for hip and knee replacement, cancer care, spinal pathways, pelvic floor pathways, patient specialist appointments, education and caregiver support sessions
SCHR Telehealth coordinator Mary Deren, who originated the project, also works closely with the clinic staff to schedule the patient appointments.
Since October 22, 2014 when the equipment was installed, patient appointments have been scheduled through Telehealth appointments utilizing the new equipment, with more types of appointments scheduled in every day.
Patients have been impressed with Telehealth, with some saying it was a great experience. They don't have to worry about traffic or weather conditions.
As a result of the experiment in the Weyburn clinic, the community of Maryfield is already in the process of purchasing similar equipment for the Maryfield Primary Health Care Clinic to benefit the patients in that area.
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Quelle/Source: Estevan Lifestyles, 05.02.2015
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