CHI Franciscan tests ‘virtual hospital’ concept
Two hundred physicians, nurses and other workers in Tacoma, Washington, are spending their days treating hospital patients they never meet in person in what CHI Franciscan Health is calling a “virtual hospital.”
The Tacoma News-Tribune reports that via telehealth platforms, this former call center monitors patients’ vital signs, brings up their charts and allows physicians to speak to patients at seven Washington hospitals within the CHI Franciscan system. The system assists in inpatient care and cuts down on waiting time for many consultations, according to the hospital, providing a quicker response time than a nurse making the rounds to dozens of rooms.
“We really envision a future where patients will be able to have the care they need, just exactly when they need it,” said Jessica Kennedy-Schlicher, MD, a CHI Franciscan family medicine physician.
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John joined TriMed in 2016, focusing on healthcare policy and regulation. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago, he worked at FM News Chicago and Rivet News Radio, and worked on the state government and politics beat for the Illinois Radio Network. Outside of work, you may find him adding to his never-ending graphic novel collection.