Use of Telemedicine to Improve Interfacility Communication and Aid in Triage of Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION

Over the past several years there has been a dramatic increase in the implementation of telemedicine technology to aid in the delivery of care across community, inpatient, and emergency settings. This technology has proved valuable for acute life-threatening clinical scenarios. We aimed to pilot a novel neurosurgical telemedicine program within an academic tertiary care center to assist in consultation of patients with high-grade intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) (ICH score 4, 5).

METHODS

A quality improvement conceptual framework was developed. Subsequently, a process map and improvement interventions were created. Patients in community hospitals with high-grade ICH or pre-existing Do Not Resuscitate/Do Not Intubate orders with an admitting diagnosis of ICH triggered a TeleNeurosurgery consultation. Patients who met the inclusion criteria, with consent of their decision makers, were enrolled in the study. Post-encounter physician surveys were used to evaluate overall satisfaction with the implementation.

RESULTS

This 18-month pilot study proved feasible, with an enrollment of 63.6% (n = 14 of 22) of patients who met criteria. All patients who were enrolled in the study and participated in TeleNeurosurgery consultation remained at the presenting facility for end-of-life care and palliative medicine consultation. Both community emergency physicians and subspecialists who performed the consultations reported satisfaction with the TeleNeurosurgery consultation process and a perceived benefit both to patients, families, and emergency medicine physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

The program proved feasible and several areas in need of improvement within the health system were identified. Emergency physicians reported comfort with the process, program effectiveness, and improved access to care by implementation of this program.