Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, Nebraska has been facing challenges common to many rural health systems, with a significant shortage of physicians being a key issue that is expected to worsen in the future. The 15-bed critical access hospital heavily relies on advanced practice providers like nurse practitioners and physician associates.
One major obstacle for the hospital was the requirement in Nebraska for a physician to be available by phone when an APP is running the emergency department. This led to costly and unsustainable solutions like contracting physicians from other towns, putting a strain on the existing medical staff. Additionally, the lack of resources to manage the increasing complexity of patient care, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, made transferring patients to other facilities a difficult task.
To address these challenges, the hospital explored the use of telemedicine services provided by Avel eCare. This technology promised to alleviate the physician backup coverage issue, with board-certified physicians and critical care nurses available 24/7 for consultations and decision support. The implementation of telemedicine allowed the hospital staff to access expert guidance and support, enhancing the level of care they could provide to patients.
Telemedicine was introduced in phases, starting with the pharmacy and expanding to include emergency and hospitalist services. Recently, behavioral health services have been added to the ED to address the growing mental health crisis. The technology provided by Avel was user-friendly, with secure video and audio equipment installed for easy access to the vendor’s team of medical professionals.
The results of implementing telemedicine were not only improved patient care but also significant cost savings for the hospital. By having a physician available round the clock, the need for contract physicians was reduced, leading to a more efficient use of resources. The total cost of the telehealth services for a year was comparable to hiring a physician for a limited number of days for backup support.
The CEO of Chase County Community Hospital, Abby Cyboron, emphasized the importance of getting buy-in from providers when considering a telemedicine system. She highlighted the importance of clear communication about the benefits of telemedicine and ensuring that the technology provided is easy to use. Patient privacy, security, and regulatory compliance were also crucial factors to consider when implementing telemedicine services.
In conclusion, telemedicine has provided peace of mind for the hospital staff, knowing that they have access to expert support whenever needed. The availability of 24/7 medical assistance has alleviated the burden on the medical staff and improved the overall quality of care provided at Chase County Community Hospital.
