An article this week in Wired Magazine outlined how physicians and other health care providers in hospitals are using technology to manage patient care in an era of COVID-19. Using a combination of tablets, smart phones and video conferencing, physicians are conducting virtual rounds, whereby one physician moves from one patient room to another and the rest of the care team participates from a conference room. Nurses communicate with their patients via tablets in patient rooms. Hospitals and medical centers across the United States and around the world are being transformed into test cases of inpatient telemedicine practices.
From connecting patients with their remote families to engaging in video language interpreter services, health care providers have quickly pivoted to leverage these technologies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended the use of telehealth alternatives to face-to-face triage and visits. Some experts believe these protocols and practices will likely remain permanent fixtures in the acute health care setting.
Using these technologies introduces different risks and required protocols in terms of infection control. However, clinicians are also finding the technologies useful in terms of collaborating with teams — particularly across increasingly large medical campuses in which specialists may be dispersed. Additionally, even beyond COVID-19, there may be benefits to using these technologies as a way to reduce exposure to biohazards and to optimize the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). As they become more comfortable with these methods of communicating and collaborating, they may also recognize the benefits of remote consultation as a standard of care.
CITI Program’s Biosafety and Biosecurity (BSS) Courses
Current public health concerns reemphasize the importance of BSS training. Courses like Hazard Communication and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ensure that personnel is properly informed and in compliance with OSHA requirements. See our course catalog a complete list of courses offered.
