Dearborn County Hospital is the first facility to be
part of a new initiative established by University
Hospital’s Stroke Team. Through this joint
effort with University Hospital, suspected stroke
patients brought to the Dearborn County Hospital
Emergency Department will be evaluated by both the
emergency department physician on site and a member of
University’s Stroke Team using a new telemedicine
system.
Patients arriving at DCH will continue to be cared for
expeditiously, using established best practices for
stroke diagnosis and treatment. The new protocol will
now allow for the patient to also be evaluated by a
University Hospital Stroke Team physician through the
use of a high-definition video camera, monitor and
specialized software mounted on a robot.
Once the initial CT scan is completed, the new
telemedicine system will be utilized, allowing for
real-time, two-way audio/visual communication between
the stroke specialist and the patient.
By utilizing the telemedicine robot, the stroke team
physician is able to view and communicate with the
patient much like they were in the same room. The
physician can see the patient’s physical features, hear
their speech and monitor their response to various
commands, as well as speak firsthand with family members
or caregivers. In addition, the stroke specialist is
able to receive up to the minute data on lab results,
vital signs and CT or other images.
“Time is critical when dealing with a suspected stroke
patient,” explained DCH Emergency Department Physician
Dr. Richard Cardosi. “The sooner the patient can be
evaluated, diagnosed and treatment initiated, the
greater the potential for a more positive outcome.”
“The stroke team physicians are experts in their field.
By using this telemedicine system, the specialist is
brought to the patient in a matter of minutes,” noted
Roger Howard, DCH Director of Clinical Services and
Facilities. “Working collaboratively, the DCH Emergency
Department physician and the University Hospital Stroke
Team physician can then determine whether it is in the
best interest of the patient to be transferred or to
receive care at DCH.”
“The main thing to remember is that stroke patients need
to be seen quickly,” emphasized Dr. Cardosi. “If you or
a loved one exhibit any of the warning signs of a
stroke, please do not delay. Call 911 immediately.”
In the future, University Hospital’s Stroke Team plans
to implement the system at additional hospitals located
outside of the I-275 loop.
