Telemedicine Used To Improve Outcomes Care For ALS Patients

By Julia Ernst, contributing writer

Bronson Methodist Hospital in Michigan will utilize JEMS Technology to provide better care to ALS patients in remote or underserved areas.

A telemedicine initiative in Michigan is connecting patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in remote or underserved areas of the state to physicians at a larger hospital. Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo is using the JEMS Technology Telehealth System “to deliver improved patient care and outcomes,” according to a news release.

The JEMS System is a suite of products and applications that allow healthcare providers to connect with one another remotely and provide live consultations. The system includes the JEMS J-500 Rugged Telehealth System and the JEMS J-500 Mobile Telemedicine Cart.

The Rugged Telehealth System is a mobile computing system with a waterproof, backlit, mechanical membrane keyboard. According to the company, the Rugged Telehealth System can be used in a number of health settings that require “extreme mobility,” such as “first responder situations” or “consults needed from convalescing patient locations.” The Mobile Telemedicine Cart is a negative-tilt, wireless keyboard system that features antimicrobial surfaces, a hospital-grade spiral power cord, keyed lock security, and an electronic lift.

Medical professionals can send live streaming video to a specialty physician via an iPhone, iPad, or Android-based phone or tablet with the JEMS Telehealth System, according to the press release. The specialist can review the video on their smart device in real time and respond with medical advice.

“ALS patients and their caregivers face the unique challenge of having to travel to several specialists to receive all of the care that is required to combat the full-body, degenerative nature of the disease,” explained Paula Morning, executive director of the ALS Association Michigan Chapter. “Telemedicine allows the ALS patient a unique opportunity to become educated about their disease and receive uncompromised care through face-to-face interaction with experts across all domains of care.”

Bronson Methodist Hospital is part of Bronson Healthcare, which provides patients throughout southwest Michigan and northern Indiana with a full range of services. Bronson Methodist Hospital provides care in a range of specialties, including neurology, cardiology, pediatrics, and more.

JEMS Technology is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The company is based in Michigan.

SOURCE: PR Newswire