The OHSU Telemedicine Network
The Oregon Health & Science University Telemedicine Network provides immediate patient access to pediatric, neonatal, stroke, trauma, neurosurgery and other specialists throughout Oregon 24/7. Using secure two-way video and audio communication, OHSU connects Doernbecher Children’s Hospital pediatric intensivists, neonatologists, OHSU stroke neurologists, neurosurgeons and trauma specialists to emergency room physicians statewide to help evaluate time-critical patient needs and assist with treatment plans.
Benefits to Network Hospitals
OHSU works with community hospitals to provide immediate access to specialty care. Working together to improve patient outcomes, OHSU supports local efforts to create a healthier community and reduce patient transfers.
Features of Telemedicine
- Shortens the time-sensitive decision-making process by providing immediate access to OHSU and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital specialists..
- Enables OHSU assistance in timely diagnosis and development of optimal treatment plans.
- Provides patients a wider array of medical services close to home.
- Limits costly and stressful transfers.
- Spares families the time and expense of traveling to an out-of-town medical center to support a loved one.
- Eases physician shortages by providing expert medical care through the OHSU Telemedicine Network.
- Improves clinical outcomes and enhances continuity of care.
- Increases patient satisfaction.
How Telemedicine Works
- Local physicians evaluate patients and determine the need for consultation with an OHSU specialist.
- For collaborating hospitals, access to OHSU specialists is activated with one call to 800 648-6478.
- If a telemedicine consult is needed, the mobile videoconferencing unit is moved to the patient’s bedside and the consulting physician “beams in.”
- Patient, family and physician speak directly to OHSU specialists.
- OHSU specialists provide consultation and evaluation, including review of labs and diagnostic imaging.
- If necessary, hospital staff prepare patient for air or ground transport to OHSU or OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
The OHSU Telemedicine Network offers stroke, pediatric, neonatal, trauma, and neurosurgery care. Additional OHSU specialties including cardiology and orthopaedics soon will be available for emergency and outpatient consultation.
To learn more about the OHSU Telemedicine Network, please call the Clinical Outreach office at 503 494-1204.
