This system saves hours of work for clinical staff during a time when resources are incredibly strained.
LA GRANGE, IL, April 13, 2020 — Before the pandemic, emergency physicians rarely sent patients home with multi-lobar pneumonia and low oxygen saturation levels.
According to Dr. Tom Scaletta, President of SmartER and a practicing emergency physician, “Most COVID pneumonia patients do well at home though some will need to return and be admitted for supplemental oxygen. Avoiding or delaying hospitalization conserves PPE, space, and staff.” He further clarifies, “These patients should be sent home with a pulse oximeter. By checking in every day and trending symptoms and oxygen saturation, the trajectory becomes clear.”
SmartER automates patient follow-up using a text message link to a HIPAA-secure survey. Alerts are sent to clinical staff when a patient reports shortness of breath at rest or an oxygen saturation below 90%. Borderline patients are directed to the hospital’s e-visit or telemedicine portal.
This system saves hours of work for clinical staff during a time when resources are incredibly strained. The subscription is free, there is no IT effort or EMR connectivity required, and a personalized version will be set up within one day.
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SmartER is a technology company with a platform of solutions that automate patient-provider communication.
