Update

As of June 18, we had 78 active participants with a total of 90 units in the field.  We will be looking into the discrepancies.  We are still looking into the Glucometer enabler issue presented previously. the Glucometers are less cumbersome for the patients and may be more efficient than enablers due to the communication issues presented. Due to these factors, it is likely data collection will be more consistent if supported by the Glucometers.  Currently we are also working on completing drafts of procedure manuals focusing on the remote RN support.  This would provide a guide for any nurse to step into the support function with ease as well as provide information for other locations that are interested in starting a similar program. 

Successes

Andy Eck is still working closely with St. Charles Medical System to explore expansion of the program.  Networking through this channel and the recent regional meetings has made state level agencies more aware of what is happening in their own "back yard", so to speak.  Wonderful awareness!

Challenges

OCHIN interface still in process; completion target dates have come an gone.  Resources at our end are needed to support testing, yet as of June 18 there is no definite test date confirmed. We still don't have a committed resource to back-up our Regional RN, Aimee Priest.  While we did finish training a per diem nurse, this resource may not be sufficient to cover all needs.  

The Prineville clinic sits in Crook county, population as of 2013 is 20,815. The town of Prineville has a population of 9,223.  

The Madras clinic sits in Jefferson County, population as of 2013 is 21,145.  The town of Madras has a population of 6,363.

The Redmond clinic sits in Deschutes county, population as of 2013 is 165,954.  The city of Redmond has a population of 27,427.

 

 

 

OPPORTUNITIES

Andy Eck (Regional Director of Operations, Prineville) is making progress in coordinating with the CCO board regarding expansion of the RPM program outside Mosaic during year three. 

 

SUCCESSES

Andy Eck  (Regional Director of Operations, Prineville) has been asked to attend the upcoming Oregon Health Authority conference in June.   This governing body for Medicare want to know more details about our program, so Andy will give a mini presentation and lead a forum regarding the program.  The networking that this conference, the one in Seattle recently and others is wonderful. 

 

Observations

What are the staffing needs for a program like this? Based on best practices to date, this largely depends upon the number of patients brought onto the program at one time. The ideal manageable number for our locations and patient population 1 RN for every 75-100 patients. Ideally during the first year of implementation there should be at least one fulltime employee dedicated to the program then once it is in place 1 RN with 1 Per Diem Nurse seems to be sufficient.

Catching Up: Successes and Celebrations!

Patient participation grew from 67 patients in early December to 85 patients in mid-March for a total of 220-225 since the start of the program. Interpreters needed for certain demographics, this continues to be successfully managed as of December 18, 2014.

New per diem nurse hired for rural clinics to assist as back-up when primary RN is unavailable. This will ensure program continuity and reduce workload on primary RN. We continue to look for opportunities to support the local healthcare community as well as provide patients in rural areas with the monitoring care they need. To this end, we are researching possible partnerships with healthcare providers outside the Mosaic Medical arena.

 

COTN Highlighted in Regional Newspaper

The launch of Telehealth in Prineville and Redmond has created a buzz around Central Oregon.  On October 8th, COTN was featured in the health section of the Bend Bulletin.

The article provided an overview of the Telehealth program, including the successes of the project thus far.  Two currently enrolled Telehealth patients were interviewed, and lent their opinions regarding their participation in the program.  Andy Eck, Clinic Manager of Mosaic Medical Prineville, and Aimee Priest, Mosaic's RN Care Coordinator, were also interviewed.

The following link will direct you to the Bend Bulletin website, where the article may be read online:
http://www.bendbulletin.com/health/2465399-151/patients-learn-to-monitor-own-vital-signs?entryType=0