Posts

mobile integrated healthcare: in-home nurse visit

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

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. 

Read more