Evolving Role of Telemedicine within the Emergency Department

The emergency department (ED) is a critical area not only for patient care, but it’s impact on overall hospital operations as well. Performance metrics within the ED are not only important for the ED but for the hospital as well. However, the global burden on EDs continues to rise, with overcrowding and prolonged boarding driving excessive waiting times, delayed treatments and poorer outcomes. The 3 main and interdependent components of ED patient flow consists of input, throughput and output. Incorporation of telemedicine solutions into the assessment, analysis and treatment of ED patients can aid in relieving this burden. However, only sporadic uses of ED telemedicine projects have been published. Health systems should consider a comprehensive telehealth strategy for the entire patient journey and ED operation.