By Dan O鈥機onnell,
The EMS landscape is continuing to evolve, largely driven by emerging technologies. As healthcare delivery models shift towards more patient-centered and preventive approaches, such as mobile integrated health (MIH), EMS professionals have the opportunity to find themselves at the forefront of this transformation. To help stay ahead of the curve, it is important to explore and even implement the latest technologies that can, in turn, help improve patient outcomes and operational efficiencies.
There are many new advancements in the world of EMS, but some of the key technologies that play a role in MIH in particular include:
- Telemedicine
- Remote patient monitoring
- Mobile diagnostic tools
Each of these has the potential to help EMS professionals provide more comprehensive, efficient care. Let鈥檚 dive into how they can do that.
Telemedicine
With telemedicine, EMS professionals have the ability to connect patients with providers in real-time, helping to facilitate timely medical interventions and decision-making. According in the National Library of Medicine, telemedicine has the potential to improve EMS patient care by providing instantaneous access to a myriad of experts, and reducing costs and unnecessary transports.
In rural settings, specifically, telemedicine can help remove barriers to care, including long distances to doctor鈥檚 offices or hospitals. Overall, utilizing telemedicine as part of an MIH program can:
- Enhance accessibility to care for patients
- Reduce hospital readmissions due to early detection of complications
- Optimize resources for providers, enabling them to serve more patients efficiently
- Increase patient engagement
Remote patient monitoring (RPM)
RPM further augments telemedicine capabilities. Agencies equipped with , such as , can track a patient鈥檚 vital signs (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, etc.) and intervene if necessary.
According to the CDC, an estimated in the U.S. have at least one major chronic illness (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, etc.). And, according to a 2023 CDC report, chronic conditions are the primary reason for of office-based physician visits.
So, for example, if community paramedics have access to RPM devices, agencies can provide preventive care for the communities in which they live and work 鈥� one of the many benefits of MIH programs. It allows providers to manage their patients鈥� chronic conditions both efficiently and effectively, which has the potential to lead to better outcomes for patients.
Mobile diagnostic tools
Handheld devices such as portable ultrasounds, ECG monitors, and point-of-care lab analyzers can enable EMS professionals to perform rapid diagnostic tests and appropriate treatment measures in real-time without any delay. MIH programs aiming for cutting-edge, quality care, may leverage tools such as portable ultrasounds (e.g., , , and the ) point-of-care lab products, (e.g., the handheld blood analyzer and , and assessment and monitoring tools (e.g., the , the , and the ) to enhance patient care.
These technologies allow providers to conduct medical assessments outside of traditional healthcare setting, enhancing the accuracy and speed of diagnoses, empowering EMS providers to deliver quality care on the spot.
Leaning on your partners
To keep a pulse on these technologies, agencies can, and should, rely on their solutions and distribution partners. By doing so, EMS professionals can ensure they not only are aware of the latest equipment and technology, but also understand how it works, and how to implement it into their programs. For example, many of Henry Schein Medical EMS鈥� team members were previously (and some are currently) in the field as first responders. So, they understand the nuances that each fire, EMS and ambulance agency can have, working with them to identify the right technology for their MIH program.
Having a partner that providers can trust to help guide them through MIH and the future of EMS is paramount. It is also important to keep in mind the experience a distribution partner has in this space 鈥� do they serve nonacute spaces; do they have a vast distribution network; can they support low unit of measure, cold chain and laboratory testing compliance?
Additionally, organizations such as the offer best practices in MIH and vendor relationships, through education, conferences and other tools.
The future is bright
Ultimately, the future of EMS and MIH is bright. With new experiences, technologies and research, MIH programs will continue to grow and improve. By leveraging technologies such as telemedicine, RPM and mobile diagnostic tools, EMS agencies can take their patient care to the next level.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dan O鈥機onnell is general manager of Henry Schein Medical鈥檚 EMS business.