Tampa General Hospital has launched an on-site telemedicine station that will give staff members the ability to have virtual life-sized consultations with physicians and automated pharmaceutical services.
The telemedicine station, created by Florida-based health technology company OnMed, allows users to have real-time consultations with a doctor or advanced practice provider via HD video and audio, according to company officials.
The station further allows doctors to prescribe and dispense hundreds of common medications through an automated vault, potentially saving users a trip to the pharmacy. For example, those who may be experiencing common ailments such as strep throat, or sinus infections can walk away with a diagnosis and antibiotic medication within minutes.
“At Tampa General Hospital, we are on a journey to becoming the safest and most innovative academic health system in America,” John Couris, President and CEO of Tampa General Hospital, said in a statement. “The health and wellness of our team members are just as important to us as the patients we care for everyday at our hospital. By utilizing the OnMed Station within our employee base, we can ensure that our staff is prioritizing their wellness with access to instant care, if needed.”
Other specific features of the telemedicine station include: height, weight and BMI measurements; thermal imaging to read body temperature and diagnose infection; readings of blood pressure, respiration, and blood oxygen saturation; the option to securely transmit results to primary care physicians; the ability to provide paper prescriptions, e-prescriptions to preferred pharmacies, referrals and self-service lab kits for diagnostic testing; and more.
“Following the initial placement, Tampa General Hospital is developing a strategy to deploy multiple stations throughout the community,” said Adam Smith, senior vice president of ambulatory services for Tampa General Hospital. For instance, TGH is looking to further partner with OnMed to place the station in various public consumer-facing areas, such as local schools and airports. “Right now, we are committed to prioritizing the wellness of our own team members by providing them access to instant care, when they need it,” Smith noted.
Indeed, the OnMed Station design is patented domestically and internationally and can be used in hospitals, colleges, airports, hotels, large private employers and other locations, according to company officials.
