Using Telehealth technology for skin and pressure injury assessment

Large metropolitan pediatric medical center, approximately 400 bed hospital, with Certified Wound Ostomy Nurses (CWON) servicing all areas of the hospital for skin and pressure injury assessments and prevention. New suburban full service satellite hospital opened within hospital system. CWON not staffed within the satellite hospital but skin champion trained to cover minor skin issues. Medical staff requested method of real time assessment, recommendations to improve patient experience and improve staff efficiency.

Telehealth technology was implemented using by a cart with video conferencing, hand held camera use for real time skin assessment between CWON and Provider at the satellite hospital. CWON trained on how to use equipment from their office including video and sound available as means to communicate with satellite hospital. Work flow process plan created including consulting, scheduling and telehealth conferencing.

CWON nurse able to provide real time pediatric expertise for skin and pressure injuries to satellite hospital by using Telehealth technology. Improving health outcomes and patient/provider experience and keeping in line with the medical center’s goals of providing exceptional and safe care to the entire hospital system.