In July 2007, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center began using Robots to aid in remote telemedicine consults with other hospitals around the region. According to Mike Ward, Executive Director of Rural Health at Saint Alphonsus,

"Each telemedicine program is designed to provide patients with improved access to specialty care, and when possible, let patients remain in their own communities."

These Robots are run by using Remote Presence technology, a web-based, wireless platform that can be accessed wherever wireless internet is available.  In essence, the technology allows physicians to be two places at once.  Dual-screen desktop computers and laptops are used to control the Robot and allow physicians to be remotely present with patients, family and friends, and other healthcare providers.

Saint Alphonsus currently has two robots located in our hospital in Boise, and has deployed robots to seven hospitals located in Idaho and Oregon. Each hospital with a robot has partnered with Saint Alphonsus to form the IDA ORE Telemedicine Network.

"The Remote Presence technology is used for multiple applications that increase availability of specialists to rural areas and provide improved access to continuing education opportunities," states Ward. 

In the last six months of 2008, the Robots in the IDA ORE Network were used for over 150 consultations and education sessions.  Examples of uses include:

• Neonatologists at Saint Alphonsus providing consultations for premature infants born at partnering hospitals.

• Cardiologists at Saint Alphonsus providing consultations for emergent cardiology cases. 

• Mothers who remain hospitalized following the birth of a child that requires transport to Saint Alphonsus can use the Robot to see their baby and talk to the neonatologists providing care.

• Intensivists in Saint Louis use the Robot in La Grande, OR to provide consultations for critically ill patients

• An education program for OR nurses 

• A Perinatologist at Saint Alphonsus providing consultations for high-risk pregnancy

• Outreach clinical education on stroke, trauma essentials, and congestive heart failure

• Physicians and other staff attending meetings, including weekly tumor boards and monthly cardiology and echocardiogram

Several additional programs are being developed for the technology, including heart failure management and mental health programs.