In a recent URAC blog post they explain why relationship building is key to success in rural tele-emergency.
There are red “easy buttons” in 180 Critical Access Hospitals across 14 states. But they have nothing to do with ordering office supplies.
These buttons are installed in a convenient location in each emergency department room. With one press, providers at the partner hospitals connect directly with board-certified, emergency physicians and critical care nurses at the Avera virtual hospital hub.
Access to specialty care is vital because 99 percent of the partners in the Avera eCARE Emergency network are remote rural hospitals. For rural hospitals, tele-emergency has the potential to result in a net savings of $3,823 per avoided patient transfer. That’s according to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare.
Dr. Skow: “It’s about the relationships.”
Hospitals in the Avera network connect with secure, interactive, high-definition video and audio equipment and software. The setup is impressive. But it’s just part of the solution, according to Brian Skow M.D. FACEP, Chief Medical Officer at Avera eCARE.
“It's not about the technology,” Dr. Skow says. “It's about the relationships and this is our passion.”
Relationship building starts before a new rural hospital joins Avera’s network. Dr. Skow and his team first visit the facility to meet the medical staff and assess their needs. They discuss operations extensively with physicians, nurses and mid-level practitioners. Based on these conversations, the Avera team can usually determine how well the partnership will work, or not.