At a time when important moments historically shared with family, such as the start or end of a life, commonly have become lonely times because of hospital visitation restrictions, UConn Health is using iPads to keep people connected in real time.<\/p>\n
Using apps like Zoom and FaceTime, a father can see and hear his newborn\u2019s first cry \u2013 and exchange smiles and tears with Mom \u2013 from outside the delivery room. Or a family can be virtually present with a patient in the intensive care unit.<\/p>\n
The same technology helps from a health care delivery standpoint. On a COVID-19-positive hospital floor, providers can communicate with patients without having to gown up and enter the room every time, thus easing the strain on the personal protective equipment supply. In the emergency department, it can be used for certain screenings.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe started down that path, and it made a whole lot of sense, then people\u2019s creativity took over,\u201d says Chuck Podesta, UConn Health\u2019s chief information officer. \u201cIt kind of exploded into a lot of different areas. It started very small and has taken off, which is great.\u201d<\/p>\n
UConn Health Information Technology<\/a> has 100 iPads designated for use in labor and delivery, the intensive care unit, hospital floors treating COVID-19 patients, the emergency department, and urgent care, as well as in the comfort room in the Wellness Center, where staff can partake in telehealth counseling.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been a great source of comfort for families to be \u2018bedside,\u2019\u201d says Dr. Gracia Mui<\/a>, who\u2019s seen the technology in action in the ICU.<\/p>\n The iPads have carts to keep them portable. IT has protocols in place to keep the devices disinfected.<\/p>\n \u201cIn IT, we\u2019re not on the front lines but we support the front lines,\u201d Podesta says. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to be able to equate our work to direct patient care when we can.\u201d<\/p>\n