On October 6, 2015, Mercy Virtual Care Center, Chesterfield, Missouri opened with 330 doctors and nurses and no patients and no plans to admit patients. All the patients treated, are treated virtually. This saves time and money both for the patients and for caregivers.
“We have the medical team here, but with technology like highly-sensitive cameras and real-time vital signs, our providers can ‘see’ patients where they are. That may be in one of Mercy’s traditional hospitals, a physician office or in some cases, the patient’s home.” – Dr. Randy Moore, president of Mercy Virtual.
The three programs that are the heart of Mercy Virtual Care are ConnectNow, SafeWatch, and CareEngage.
- CONNECTNOW is four different but connected parts. TeleStroke uses secure two-way video to connect stroke victims to neurologists. Nurse on call offers advice 24/7 for people not sure whether an emergency room visit is necessary. eVisits provides communication between patients and doctors with same day response guaranteed, for questions about problems that aren’t critical, if asked before four PM. eConsult allows patients, their doctors and a specialist to video conference from possibly three different places.
- SAFEWATCH is for patients who are or were in the hospital or are living at home with a chronic condition using online-enabled medical devices that allow doctors to monitor their well-being and intervene if needed.
- CAREENGAGE connects patients to websites, newsletters, interesting online activities and content to help them live a healthy lifestyle.
On MAY 5, 2016, Dr. Gavin Helton announced Virtual House Calls. Similar to SafeWatch, the program uses Ipads and wirelessly connected biometric devices to monitor patients. This program is not limited to previously or currently hospitalized patients, and might save a patient from being hospitalized.
Mercy Virtual Care Center is just one of the many places that the Internet of Things is changing healthcare. Medical centers around the world are using technology to better the lives of both patients and caregivers.
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