Bay Pines VA Implements TeleCritical Care in ICU

TeleCC is a new form of critical care that expands on the traditional ICU model. It is an advanced Telehealth program which is designed to enhance the quality of care by adding an additional layer of monitoring to standard care through increased access to intensive care expertise and consultation.

“The implementation of TeleCritical Care in our ICU will expand our ability to thoroughly assess the most complicated cases,” said Paul M. Russo, Director/CEO, BPVAHCS. “Having the ability to connect with other clinicians at any time of day, truly exemplifies how the VA is leveraging advanced technologies to provide the highest quality of care to our Veterans.”

Bay Pines VA will be the first healthcare system within VISN 8 to receive this system. TeleCC, which is available 24/7, allows seasoned VHA physicians and nurses from connected parts of the country to use virtual technologies and clinical information systems to consult with the primary care team while they’re assessing a patient.

“By simply pushing a button, any member of the ICU team can receive on-demand collaboration from a critical care physician or ICU nurse,” said Lynn Fitzwater, MSN APRN, TeleCC. “The primary goal of TeleCC is to provide exceptional care to our nation’s critically ill Veterans and eligible family members by working in partnership with the bedside staff.”

A remote video assessment begins when a TeleCC provider or registered nurse (RN) virtually enters an ICU room via the bedside camera. When they virtually enter a room, the remote TeleCC provider or RN becomes visible to the local staff and hospitalized Veteran on a dedicated room monitor. When the assessment is completed, the camera turns away from the Veteran and the image of the remote provider is no longer visible on the monitor. Additionally, the camera movement and position ensure that the Veteran and local staff know when video monitoring is occurring. If Veterans are not comfortable with TeleCC, they have the choice to opt out of this form of treatment.

For a comprehensive overview of TeleCC, please visit Meraki Video V4 (vimeo.com). The inclusion of TeleCC upgrades any ICU and adds another safety barrier for an organization continuously working toward high reliability.

To stay updated on what’s happening within our healthcare system, please visit https://www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/ or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.