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Saint Alphonsus uses Robots developed by InTouch Health Inc. InTouch has developed a Remote Presence system comprised of the RP-7 Robot, ControlStation, and RP Connectivity Service. The Remote Presence technology is a web-based, wireless platform that can be accessed wherever Internet service is available. In essence, the technology allows physicians and other health care providers to be two places at once.

Dual-screen desktop computers and laptops equipped with a microphone, speaker, joystick, camera, and the Remote Presence software are used to control the Robot.

This technology allows physicians and other health care providers to be remotely present with patients, family and friends, and medical professionals. This technology provides a mechanism to extend the expertise of Saint Alphonsus specialists to multiple partnering hospitals that would otherwise lack specialty services. Additionally, this program enhances the consultative services that specialists at Saint Alphonsus are able to provide internally.

In addition to the two Robots at Saint Alphonsus and the Robot in the Saint Alphonsus Eagle Health Plaza, Robots are currently located in the following hospitals:

• Grande Ronde Hospital, La Grande, Oregon
• St. Elizabeth Health Services, Baker City, Oregon
• Holy Rosary Medical Center, Ontario, Oregon
• West Valley Medical Center, Caldwell, Idaho
• Walter Knox Memorial Hospital, Emmett, Idaho
• St. Benedicts Hospital, Jerome, Idaho

Examples of Remote Presence Technology Applications:

Remote Patient Consultation Services
Physicians from Saint Alphonsus can use the robot to visually assess the patient, listen to the heart, lung, and bowel, examine bedside monitor data, and speak to the patient and local physician when patient consultations are requested by partnering hospitals. This program provides specialist expertise to facilities that may lack specialty services and allows for greater patient monitoring.

• Neonatologists provide consultation on premature and/or critically ill newborns
• Cardiologists can examine real-time ECHO data, examine EKGs and provide consultation for acute myocardial infarction
• Perinatologists provide consultation on high-risk pregnancies and can review real-time ultrasound data
• Intensivists who specialize in caring for the critically ill and injured can provide consultation on patients at partnering hospitals

Communication with Families of Patients
If a family is not present when a physician consults a patient, the physician can use the Robot to be remotely present to answer any questions and update family members on the patient's progress.

Connecting Patients with Family and Friends
When a patient is transported to Saint Alphonsus from another location, family and friends unable to accompany them can use the robot to check-in and be present with that patient.

Educational Outreach
People at partnering hospitals can use the Robot to participate in educational opportunities offered at Saint Alphonsus. For example, perioperative nurses at partnering hospitals use the Robot to observe surgeries at Saint Alphonsus.

Benefits of the Remote Presence Programs

• Increases availability of healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas
• Improves patient satisfaction
• Allows physicians to see and communicate with patients, families, and other healthcare providers even when not physically present
• Involves specialist in patients’ care prior to transfers from other hospitals

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