mobile integrated healthcare: in-home nurse visit

It’s the End of EMS As We Know It (and We Feel Better)

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As telemedicine capabilities continue to grow and healthcare demands become more complex, Emergency Management Services (EMS) are facing a potential transformation from a chronically underfunded acute-care delivery method to a front-line community health advocate focusing on public health, preventive care, and disease management, as explained by a recent series in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services. Thus far, the application of telemedicine to EMS has revolved around enabling earlier assessment, diagnosis, and treatment during transport, leading to hospitals being more specifically prepared to receive emergency patients upon arrival, faster treatment times, and improved patient outcomes. However, Dr. Orlando E. Rivera, DNP, MBA, RN, a specialist in emergency and prehospital medicine, envisions a broader role for EMS. By adding community health programs targeting chronic disease management, mental health, geriatrics, pediatrics, and substance abuse, for instance, EMS strategy can shift from a reactive response to a proactive approach that addresses “simmering” health issues before they escalate into full-blown emergencies, thus reducing the frequency and severity of emergency situations. 

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Demonstration of PAVES telemedicine powered by swyMed

See swyMed in Action at Emory University

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“Seeing is believing,” as the saying goes. EMS1 recently published an article describing excellent examples of how swyMed is being used in real-life situations in Georgia. In this blog post, we look at one of those cases: Emory University and how they are applying our patented technology in two fields, emergency services in rural areas and emergency disaster response. A key component to the success of these programs is swyMed’s unparalleled ability to maintain a reliable internet connection, even in poor network conditions.

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EMTs treating patient on-site

How to Save $10 Billion Annually with EMS 4.0

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Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport (ET3) pilot program was launched to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of patients beyond a hospital’s walls, particularly in ambulances “in the field”, with the goals of delivering health care services more efficiently and reducing unnecessary Emergency Department (ED) visits. The program was designed to align the incentives for EMS services so patients were treated in the care setting that made the most sense, i.e., EMS would be paid for providing mobile health care rather than only after transporting a patient to the ED. Five years later, with Americans more than comfortable receiving care via telemedicine, the health care industry is well-positioned to expand these services on a wider scale as video-enabled EMS 4.0, saving potentially $10 billion annually across the nation.

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Visual representation of mobile connectivity

What Makes swyMed’s Technology Different?

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While some well-known companies in the telemedicine industry have recently been in the headlines for growing pains, swyMed has firmly established itself as the leader in connecting providers and patients in circumstances that other platforms rarely even try. If the local network is overcrowded or has sparse coverage, causing fluctuating or poor network conditions, how can an application hold a steady connection to the internet or cloud server? swyMed has found a way to do exactly that.

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swyMed Now Available in Apple App Store

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Apple fans, rejoice! The swyMed app has returned to the Apple App Store, and it’s better than ever before! 

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swyMed_mobile_stroke_unit: mHealth Technology makes teleStroke and ET3 programs possible

mHealth Technology Takes ET3 from Concept to Reality

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The long-awaited ET3 program is finally here! After delays caused by the pandemic, the Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport (ET3) program went into effect on January 1, 2021. To support this initiative, swyMed and Logitech are working together to provide the mHealth technology (mobile real-time audio-visual communications) that makes the ET3 program possible. Read more

EMT examining little girl's leg injury for telemedicine in-home visit

A New Normal? Telemedicine In-Home Visits May Include Primary Care

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Integrating telemedicine into emergency medical services is nothing new, but the focus thus far has revolved around acute cases and specialties such as telestroke. However, in a recently released proof of concept, researchers questioned this trend and applied the model of telemedicine in-home visits to primary care services. This preliminary observatory study suggests that using telemedicine to bring primary care services into the patient’s home may be feasible, effective, and satisfactory for homebound seniors with chronic medical conditions. Read more

Telemedicine case study: Logitech and swyMed working together

Logitech Publishes Telemedicine Case Study Describing Work with swyMed

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In order to be most effective and efficient, healthcare providers using telemedicine video visits depend on having the right software and hardware for the situation at hand. For instance, swyMed addresses the software needs neatly and thoroughly. However, a key part of video visits is images; the provider needs to see the patient closely, accurately, and with defined details. With this additional information, the provider can make a more accurate evaluation and diagnosis. swyMed has already proven our dependability in challenging network environments, but we also wanted to present providers with the most precise high-definition (HD) images possible to aid them in assessing patients. Read more

Paramedics prepping patient for transport and EMS telemedicine

Are Paramedics Ready for EMS Telemedicine?

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As video communications infrastructures and telemedicine technology constantly improve, the opportunities to expand telemedicine into new fields are multiplying rapidly. One such area, mobile health (mHealth), refers to the application of telemedicine technologies in areas beyond the four walls of a hospital or clinic—in other words, medicine on-the-go. For instance, EMS telemedicine (Emergency Medical Services) integrates telemedicine into ambulances so that paramedics can contact a specialist at the hospital for an initial assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan—even before arriving at the emergency department (ED). This capability offers the potential to save crucial minutes for patients like stroke victims, for whom the drug of choice—tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)—must be administered within a certain time frame to be effective and life-saving. Indeed, a recent meta-analysis of over 6,600 patients treated with tPA found a strong correlation between EMS telemedicine availability in the ambulance and decreased times from symptom onset to treatment. However, the technology can only be useful if the operator can wield it effectively; how do paramedics value and use mHealth? Read more

Cheered businessman standing with graph showing growth trend of telemedicine for coronavirus

Emergency Measures Spur Growth of Telemedicine for Coronavirus, but What Comes Afterward?

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Amidst the apprehension wrought by the current COVID-19 pandemic, a silver lining has emerged: Primary care providers (PCP) are finding that telemedicine usage within their practices, previously hindered by issues such as inadequate reimbursement, privacy concerns, and costs, has begun soaring as cautious consumers seek alternatives to visiting the doctor’s office in person and, thus, potentially exposing themselves or others to COVID-19. Industry analysts are predicting that as both providers and patients embrace telemedicine for coronavirus as a solution for reducing the risk of transmission of infectious disease, as well as for other ailments, they will become accustomed to telemedicine as a tool and will expect its continuation within medical practices. Read more