The virtual hospital: treating acute infections in the home by telemedicine.
The growth and aging of the population of Hawaii mandates a need for more effective utilization of hospital beds. One approach is early hospital discharge and outpatient treatment. However, as the acuity of illness increases, satisfactory outcomes of outpatient treatment maybe difficult to achieve. We have utilized telemedicine to closely monitor acutely ill patients with infections, such as community-acquired pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, and urinary tract infection, in the home setting. Our treatment paradigm achieved satisfactory outcomes, cost savings, and at the same time resulted in more rapid convalescence than hospitalization.
Eron
Lawrence J
LJ
Division of Infectious Diseases, Kaiser Moanalua Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA. Lawrence.Eron@kp.org
Marineau
Michelle
M
Baclig
Ernesto
E
Yonehara
Cyndee
C
King
Paula
P
D000208:Acute Disease; D000359:Aftercare; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003289:Convalescence; D006254:Hawaii; D018575:Home Care Services, Hospital-Based / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000458:organization & administration*