Advancing Telemedicine: Virtual Rounding and Care in an Emergency Department Observation Unit.

Abstract

Patient overcrowding in emergency departments (ED) impact quality of care by increasing length of stay which often leads to delayed patient dispositions. Emergency Department Observation Units (EDOUs) are protocol driven units staffed by ED providers that can alleviate overcrowding concerns and accommodate patients that require further diagnostics for a final disposition. Virtual rounding on EDOUs can be leveraged to maximize provider shortages and increase access to quality care. We present a case report of a patient who arrived at an ED for abdominal pain and was eventually admitted to an EDOU that practiced virtual rounds. This case report demonstrates the benefits of utilizing a clinical hybrid model that combines telemedicine and observation medicine to achieve quality care while improving ED operational flow.