Telehealth for wound management in long-term care

Telehealth facilitates provision of healthcare services at distant sites using electronic communications. A pilot project utilizing telehealth was initiated in a long-term care community to assess the wounds of geriatric residents. Over a 1-year period, nine patients requiring a total of 21 visits were evaluated by an offsite University of Virginia Health System wound nurse practitioner via telecommunication. Traditionally, frail elders are seen in the local wound care clinic, necessitating often costly and physically strenuous transport. The technology in this program incorporated use of a videoconferencing device, television monitor, and a patient camera. Average round trip cost savings for transporting immobile residents was $650; hence, substantial cost containment was achieved. In addition, quality of care improved because residents were not required to leave their facility for the 3 to 4 hours required to travel to and from the clinic. Although no formal satisfaction surveys were administered, resident and family response to the service was favorable. With continued documentation of patient satisfaction and cost savings, this service eventually may be available to other long-term care facilities in the area.