Critical patients monitored with mobile video streaming

Washington Hospital Center collaborated with AT&T to develop a mobile application called “CodeHeart” that uses real-time audio and video streaming for critical care patients. For example, a cardiologist can monitor the real-time conditions of a patient while they are in the ambulance on their way to the hospital. 

 

Through a mobile device, the cardiologist may speak with the first responder, gauge vital signs, and read electrocardiograms (ECG). Before the patient even arrives, an appropriate treatment will already be ready and waiting to save their lives in a situation where every second counts.

The application can be downloaded to authorized physician mobile devices via AT&T’s network and it will securely protect their health information. Such instant access to a patient in those critical first moments allows the Hospital Center team to prep the emergency department, send physicians to a patient in the field if they cannot be easily transported, and distribute physicians to the most critical arrivals. 

 

Video and audio feeds are also archived so that physicians can later review the data if necessary. Currently, six hospital sites have implemented the technology.