Baptist Health’s telemedicine implementation tackled crucial challenges, providing efficient risk assessments and continuous care in the geriatric psychiatry unit. Leveraging existing infrastructure and innovative applications, the health system streamlined processes, ensuring 24/7 coverage for behavioral health teams. The telehealth model facilitated comprehensive behavioral health assessments for at-risk patients, enhancing clinical consensus and treatment decisions. In the geriatric psychiatry unit, daily medical staff coverage was achieved without relying on temporary services. The success underscores the pivotal role of telemedicine in revolutionizing patient safety, care continuity, and clinical efficiency.
In a pivotal move towards enhancing patient safety and continuous care, Baptist Health, the primary provider of inpatient behavioral health services in Central Alabama, has successfully integrated telemedicine into its system. This innovative approach addresses crucial challenges related to assessing suicidal patients and ensuring uninterrupted care in their geriatric psychiatry unit.
Identifying Challenges and Goals
Baptist Health faced two primary challenges:
1. Efficient Risk Assessment: The need to assess patients at risk for suicidality quickly and effectively for potential inpatient admission.
2. Continuous Geriatric Psychiatry Care: Ensuring continuous coverage for the inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit at Prattville Baptist Hospital, which faced difficulties in recruiting and retaining psychiatric medical staff.
The Proposed Solution: Telehealth Integration
Recognizing the potential of telehealth, Baptist Health leveraged its existing virtual nursing platform and infrastructure. With approximately 480 beds equipped with the virtual nursing platform, the health system aimed to extend its application to behavioral health. Additionally, the geriatric psychiatry unit faced logistical complexities due to anti-ligature requirements, prompting the use of a separate telehealth platform.
Implementation and Platforms Used
1. Virtual Nursing Platform: Powered by the Solaborate platform from Banyan Medical Systems, this system was seamlessly integrated with the electronic health record (EHR), Oracle Cerner. The platform allowed secure remote assessment of high-risk patients.
2. Geriatric Psychiatry Unit: Due to anti-ligature constraints, Baptist Health utilized the Amwell Now and Amwell Embedded applications for mobile provider rounding and assessments. These applications, integrated with Cerner EHR, ensured streamlined chart review, documentation, and telehealth visits.
Overcoming Challenges in Patient Communication
To ensure a smooth transition and minimize any negative impact on patients’ mental states, Baptist Health implemented several strategies:
1. Standardized Script: A standardized script was developed to orient patients to the virtual platform before engaging with the psychiatric intake team remotely.
2. Physical Presence: A staff member was always present at the bedside to assist with assessments and reassure the patient when necessary.
3. Camera Technology: Two cameras installed in each patient room allowed the intake team to view and assess patients effectively.
Meeting Goals and Achieving Patient Safety
Since the full implementation of the telehealth model in September, Baptist Health has achieved significant milestones:
1. Comprehensive Behavioral Health Assessments: Every patient deemed moderate or high risk for suicide now receives timely and efficient comprehensive behavioral health assessments.
2. 24/7 Coverage: The telehealth model ensures continuous 24/7 coverage for behavioral health intake teams across all three acute care hospitals.
3. Improved Clinical Consensus: The new process has streamlined clinical consensus, enhancing efficiency in treatment decisions and bed placements.
Extending Success to Geriatric Psychiatry Unit
The telehealth system implemented in the geriatric psychiatry unit in November has already proven its worth:
1. Uninterrupted Continuity of Care: Baptist Health has achieved daily medical staff coverage for all admitted patients without relying on temporary services or locums providers.
2. Enhanced Patient Comfort: The Amwell telehealth system has facilitated the development of relationships between patients and their care teams, improving comfort and familiarity.
Lessons Learned and Future Plans
According to Julie Firman, DNP, RN, Chief Nurse Executive at Baptist Health, proper patient orientation is crucial when implementing new technology in clinical settings. They emphasize the importance of increasing comprehension through education to enhance acceptance and adoption by both staff and patients.
Looking ahead, Baptist Health is exploring options for an external marketing and education plan to educate the community about standards of care and technological innovations. The health system acknowledges that while stationary, hard-wired equipment provides an optimal user experience, mobile devices can be a viable option, especially in areas where installation is challenging.
Baptist Health’s transformative journey with telemedicine exemplifies a paradigm shift in healthcare. By overcoming challenges and embracing technology, the health system has not only optimized care delivery for behavioral health patients but has also set a precedent for future innovations. The success of the telehealth model underscores its potential to enhance patient safety, streamline assessments, and provide continuous care. As Baptist Health looks towards the future, the lessons learned and achievements attained pave the way for broader community awareness and the continued integration of technology to advance healthcare standards.
