Hays Medical Center
HayMed has partnered with the University of Kansas Hospital to bring the Tele-Stroke Robot to the hospital.
Time is a serious factor when having a stroke and having access to neuro-specialists who can diagnose your symptoms is critical. Connecting with KU gives patient access to specialists associated with the only Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in Kansas.
This telemedicine program uses the robot to connect patients at HaysMed to stroke neurologists in Kansas City in real time. The system utilizing a secured video link to provide patients immediate, 24/7 access to experts who use the two-way audio and video communication to assess and interview the patient, talk with family members and other care providers just as if the physician was in the room.
The physician/operator has the ability to manipulate and turn the camera to scan the entirety of a room with some help from a display screen and microphone. Having the tele-stroke program also allows HaysMed physicians to collaborate with the stroke neurologists from KU to collaborate on the best treatment options for the patient and deliver the care to the patient promptly thus improving the outcomes for patients.
Once a patient presents to the emergency department or is an inpatient with stroke symptoms a phone call is made to the on call stroke neurologist at KU for a consultation request. The CAT scan is completed quickly and the robot is at the bedside of the patient when the stroke neurologist logs on. The stroke neurologist can see the patient, examine the patient, look at the CT and coordinate a treatment plan with the physician in Hays. The plan may include tPA administration, transferring or admitting the patient.
“Accurate diagnosis of a stroke and timely treatment is crucial to improved patient outcomes,” said Dr. Larry Watts, chief medical officer at HaysMed. “Utilizing the tele-stroke robot allows us to conduct a full diagnostic exam on the patient and gather all the clinical information to provide excellent care for our patients.”