(Media release from Atrium Health Floyd):
Critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center now have additional access to clinical experts in Charlotte, N.C., through an audio/video connection in their rooms. The service is an enhancement to the already stellar service provided by the local team of experts in critical care medicine.
The service allows immediate access to virtual physicians and nurses as a patient’s condition warrants assessment. This means that even in the latest hours of the night or earliest hours of the morning, patients and their families can have peace of mind knowing they will receive a quick response when immediate care is needed.
The Virtual Critical Care team will only use the camera in the room after notifying visitors and staff at the bedside.
The use of virtual technology allows doctors in Charlotte to communicate instantly with the ICU team at the hospital. The continuous observation of critically ill patients allows the treatment plan to be adjusted based on the patient’s condition and promotes healing as quickly as possible.
“This is one of the many ways patients benefit because we are part of the Atrium Health system,” said Dr. Ken Jones, chief medical officer and senior vice president at Atrium Health Floyd. “Physicians, respiratory therapists and nurses in Charlotte now enhance our intensive care program. They can be on camera with us in seconds.”
The Virtual Critical Care team provides:
- Regular checks-in with patients
- Prompt evaluation of new patients
- Additional support to bedside caregivers
- Reduction of both the ICU and hospital length of stay
- Real-time communication with caregivers
- Continuous patient monitoring
- Faster response time in urgent situations
- An added layer of safety and peace of mind
“This technology provides another tool to help us continue providing excellent care,” said Lee Clevenger, director of critical care and cardiovascular services at Atrium Health Floyd. “The ability to quickly access additional clinical resources any time of day will provide better outcomes and give patients and their families added peace of mind.”