Physicians and nurses at seven hospitals in New Mexico will be able to consult with specialized pediatric physicians from through Albuquerque-based University of New Mexico Hospital's Child Ready Program, according to Silver City Sun-News.
Physicians and nurses at these seven hospitals will be able to speak with specialists from UNMH through a computer and video camera unit. These devices are placed next to the patient during the appointment, so that specialists can speak with the patient and family members; the remote physician will also be able to view patients' visual symptoms with a handheld camera. The program aims to provide specialized care to children in rural areas without necessitating the time, money and stress associated with traveling to healthcare facilities outside of their communities.
"Physicians at our hospital regularly discuss patient treatment with other specialist doctors because we have access to them in our hospital," Robert Sapién, MD, head of the Child Ready Program, and chief of pediatric emergency medicine at UNMH, told Silver City Sun-News. "In rural areas, there may not be an opportunity for physicians to speak with a specialist. This telehealth program helps bridge this gap."