Winthrop's Home Health Agency is one of 30 agencies the State approved to take part in the $4 million initiative. Telemedicine allows patients and assigned nurses to communicate without meeting face-to-face. Through the use of telecommunications and web-based technologies, nurses retrieve daily readings patients gather via user-friendly equipment set up in their home. Telemedicine also offers the nurse secure, electronic access to medical records when an update is required. Telemedicine equipment includes the HomMedÆ Sentry Monitor, an easy-to-use device that enables the patient to self-monitor their heart rate, oxygen saturation, weight, blood pressure, glucose levels and temperature within three minutes. The data is electronically submitted to the nurse who manages the patients remotely seven-days-a-week in addition to scheduled visits. The regular analysis allows for the reduction of arbitrary appointments, the modification of treatment plans and early detection of other health issues that may arise. "Telemedicine's e-patient-centered care approach gives patients and their family members, who may not live around the corner, the peace-of-mind in knowing that a healthcare provider is monitoring their health daily," explained Anne Calvo, Administrator and Director of Patient Services, Winthrop-University Hospital. "It's exciting to be partnering with the State on this important project, which offers Winthrop an opportunity to evaluate the technology and provide Long Island patients with continuity of care via telemedicine."
Winthrop to install entry technology
Winthrop-University Hospital is positioned to be the first Long Island hospital to utilize Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) one of the most advanced systems available after signing Siemens Medical Solutions to install CPOE beginning in late 2005. The software will enable physicians to directly enter patient care orders into the Hospital's clinical databases and review medical profiles on-line via a secure virtual private network, ensuring patient confidentiality."Winthrop is pleased at the opportunity to partner with Siemens on the installation of an innovative system that will further promote outstanding quality of patient care," said Steven Fishbane, MD, Executive Committee Chairman for the CPOE implementation.Enhancing internal and external customer service, CPOE's benefits include:
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increased productivity
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improved report turnaround time
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reductions in patient wait times
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prevention of medication errorsWinthrop also plans to roll-out wireless infrastructure allowing physicians the convenience of ordering prescriptions and tests via a wireless computer connection or a personal digital assistant (PDA). In addition, doctors will be provided encrypted, remote access to test results and medical records. The Hospital's plan also includes the application of bar code technology necessary to automate, track and assure quality throughout the entire medication management process from order entry through administration."Winthrop ultimately aims to effectively automate the data entry process at the bedside for the Hospital's healthcare providers," said John Collins, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Winthrop-University Hospital. "The planned implementation of CPOE takes Winthrop one step closer to achieving this goal, while continuing its commitment to provide the world-class health care services the Hospital is known for."
