Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport launched a teleICU program expanding the intensive care and specialty physicians available to patients at its Monroe Medical Center through two-way audio and video connections with its Academic Medical Center in Shreveport.
Launched in March, Shreveport physicians collaborate with the medical team in Monroe to increase the timeliness and level of care.
Sixteen ICU rooms and a consultation room at the Monroe Medical Center are now equipped with the two-way teleICU monitors allowing additional off-site specialty physicians to virtually round on patients. The program provides the patients with access to critical care specialists, increasing the likelihood for Monroe patients to remain local for their medical care. Other benefits include a reduction in response time for patient care decisions and shortening the length of the hospital stay.
“The addition of a teleICU has added depth to the critical services provided at the hospital and enabled some patients to be cared for here in Monroe, rather than transporting them 100 miles to Shreveport. Better care, faster care, and local care are the great takeaways,” says Dr. Richard Cavell, Chief Medical Officer at the Monroe Medical Center.
“Our program was designed in collaboration with the established teleICU program at Ochsner Health System and allows intensive care physicians in Shreveport to support medical decisions in Monroe. We can examine the patients, review the bedside devices, visit with the patient and family, and have multidisciplinary rounds with the bedside team including physicians, respiratory therapists and pharmacists developing a comprehensive plan for the patient each day.” says Dr. Bob Walter, Medical Director for the Critical Care Service Line for Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport.
“The TeleICU is a significant achievement in our commitment to provide better access to healthcare in North Louisiana and the surrounding communities. Providing critical and specialty care at home for Northeast Louisiana residents supports improved patient outcomes and a better experience for patients and their families,” says Chuck Daigle, CEO, Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport.
