Home / Health / Island's Virtual ER Boosts Patient Care
Island's Virtual ER Boosts Patient Care
26 Nov
Summary
- Virtual health service connects island hospital to remote doctors.
- Patient satisfaction significantly increased with new virtual care.
- Pilot program improved wait times and reduced patient departures.
Grand Manan Island has successfully implemented a virtual health-care service, Teladoc, which significantly enhances its hospital's after-hours care. This program connects patients directly with remote physicians via computer, providing immediate attention for less severe issues, a service that was previously unavailable without a return visit the next day. The island's mayor noted a substantial increase in patient satisfaction since the pilot's summer launch.
The Teladoc service has demonstrated positive results, including reduced wait times and fewer patients leaving the emergency department without treatment. Between June and September, 98% of 134 after-hours patients received full virtual treatment. This contrasts with earlier pilot phases in Sussex, which faced criticism for delays and potential misuse of funds.
Officials believe the virtual model is better suited for Grand Manan's context, where a doctor may not always be physically present after hours. The service is seen as a vital addition that could help retain doctors by alleviating stress and reducing on-call burdens, with ongoing discussions to make the arrangement permanent.
