2004 - 2005 Grantee Directory - Iowa

Network Partners: Iowa Health Systems Mercy Health Network Onawa Clinic Des Moines University

Project Purpose: Test the success of telephonic methods for case management of CHF and Diabetic patients in the home.

Outcomes Expected: Patient Functionality: Will monitor activities of daily living using home telehealth Technologies. Clinical Improvement: Increase the % of patients receiving critical elements of self management education while using the Telehealth monitors; critical elements include daily weights, activity level, low sodium diet, medication management, follow-up appointments, deteriorating symptoms. Patient Satisfaction: Telephone surveys will be used with all patients in the programs. Physician surveys will be conducted by phone and/or mail to measure physician satisfaction. Cost-effectiveness: Cost containment related to medical utilization (visits per episode of care, delay onset of readmittance to a hospital) pre and post-monitor usage.

Service Area: Current rural and urban sites served by the providers of Mercy Health Network, Iowa Health Systems and the Onawa Clinic.

Services Provided: Intervention: Placement of monitors in the home of CHF and diabetic patients that have been identified as high risk.

Equipment: Patient monitoring using scales, BP cuffs, and monitors done through verbal reporting and using the Internet.

Transmission: POTS.

Midwest Rural Telemedicine Consortium
Fred Eastman 1111 6th Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50314-2611
Ph: 515-643-5225Fax: 515-643-8928
http://www.mrtc-iowa.org
Email: feastman@mercydesmoines.org

Network Partners: Mercy Medical Center - Des Moines, Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa, and 21 affiliate facilities in Albia, Algona, Ames, Audubon, Belmond, Bloomfield, Britt, Centerville, Charles City, Corydon, Cresco, Emmetsburg, Greenfield, Hampton, Iowa Falls, Manning, Marshalltown, Mount Ayr, Nevada, New Hampton and Osage, Iowa.

Project Purpose: Enhance the quality and accessibility of health care services through updated equipment deployment at 16 sites, targeted EMS training, health care career promotion, develop a support mechanism for limited English proficient (LEP) patients, and increase access for delivery of clinical services.

Outcomes Expected: Outcomes expected include a 10% increase in current network utilization (clinical, educational and administrative); additional staff resources for affiliated entities; improved ability for facilities to address the language needs for LEP patient populations; improved availability of EMS training in rural communities; increased awareness of healthcare career needs and options for high school students (including EMS); and an increased awareness of telemedicine capabilities and opportunities for rural physicians and urban specialists. Monitor outcomes using the OAT GPRA Performance Measures.

Service Area: The service area consists of 23 communities in North-Central, Central and South-Central Iowa, including Adair, Audubon, Wright, Polk, Floyd, Davis, Hardin, Franklin, Hancock, Kossuth, Carroll, Marshall, Story, Cerro Gordo, Appanoose, Chickasaw, Mitchell, Monroe, Palo Alto, Howard, Ringgold, and Wayne counties.

Services Provided: Since 1995 - Clinical (Echocardiography, Dermatology, Burn Management, Nephrology); Educational (CEU/CME, health care management, community support groups, public health); Administrative. New (2003-2004) - Tele-Interpretation for LEP patients; targeted EMS training in communities and high schools; Students Into Health Careers education.

Equipment: 4 CLI 8775 VTC units, 4 CLI 8750 VTC units, 21 Dr. SMITH CLI based units, 1 CLI Eclipse VTC unit, 9 PictureTel VTC units.

Transmission: Dialable ISDN-PRI over statewide network. Point-to-point and multi-point conferences via dial-up service and state owned VTC bridge. ISDN-BRI used in Des Moines local area.