Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) needed a way to continue critical healthcare services without in-person visits when the pandemic hit.
Like most healthcare organizations, they needed to pivot when stay at home orders and social distancing limited patients from coming into clinics and hospitals for preventative and chronic care.
DPH had to rapidly select a web-based technology provider that would integrate seamlessly with their existing video conferencing solutions and Cisco solutions across infrastructure, scheduling, DX units and room kits. And, they needed security built into the platform to meet strict HIPAA requirements for patient privacy. Webex was the answer.
In just three months, DPH onboarded 1,200 telehealth providers to the Webex platform. Now, they have one of the most robust telehealth programs in the nation with over 1,000 connected endpoints, allowing patients to stay safe at home while maintaining access to needed medical care.
One of the critical areas that is benefiting by the use of Webex is the Babies Can’t Wait (BCW) program. BCW is an early intervention program that offers a variety of coordinated services for infants and toddlers with special needs and their families. The BCW program is using Webex to:
- Conduct trainings and staff meetings
- Administer eligibility evaluations
- Provide ongoing occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy services
- Provide special instruction services
- Hold weekly state meetings and teletherapy provider support meetings
DPH is also able to offer patients over 50 additional telemedicine services, including dental, diabetes, infectious diseases, and pediatric care.
“… We leveraged Webex to get those providers onboarded and trained to see patients during COVID. The feedback has been amazing. Our patients are very pleased with the platform.” –Suleima Salgado, Director of Telehealth, Georgia Department of Public Health
Before the pandemic, patients and providers were hesitant to adopt telehealth, but now, patients are driving the conversation. They are pleased with the care they now receive from home, and DPH believes the demand for telehealth will continue even after in-person appointments resume in full capacity.
“Telehealth is not going anywhere…It’s going to be a standard model of care now moving forward post COVID.” – Suleima Salgado, Director of Telehealth, Georgia Department of Public Health
Parents need the option of face to face! This does not work for PT or OT for disabled children. It was a nice option during the pandemic. Most families have left the BCW program because families want to see their therapists face to face. This policy has had such a negative impact on practices and families who depended on funding from the BCW program! It is the families choice how they want to be seen…
I am an Early Intervention Coordinator for the Babies Can’t Wait Program Clayton County. WebEx has been a life saver for BCW and the Communities we serve. As any new experience we had to be trained as well as our clients. We are now full force with WebEx, our providers as well as employees love it. The ease of access for trainings and meeting has been stupendous. I feel I have a greater connection with all contracted providers and employees. Moving forward I would like to keep all aspects of WebEx even if we do move back to face to face home visits. Meetings have been more personal, and are able to see and not just hear how our clients are feeling. I would like to keep it at least for provider meetings.
Medipackers will change the world
Imagine, when they encounter people in need, we could assist them with smart healthcare technologies to support. That´s simply what Medipacker is all about.
Go to here:>> medipacker.org