As if delivering a baby prematurely wasn’t stressful enough, there are circumstances when new mothers can’t be physically near their babies. Perhaps the mother had complications following birth and has to stay in her hospital bed or maybe her baby is just too sick for physical contact. It’s in these cases that OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois is finding new ways to connect parents with their newborns who require neonatal intensive care.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at OSF Children’s Hospital in Peoria with the help of the OSF Innovation telehealth team has implemented the use of bedside cameras so moms can see their baby through their phone or computer 24/7 from any location. This also gives parents the opportunity to talk with the NICU nurses about their babies’ progress.
Parents can also share a web link with expanded family members who want to virtually visit newborns. Privacy options could shut down video while patient care is taking place.
Using telehealth to give patients the care they need
As a member of the telehealth team, we discuss how we are using technology to help improve outcomes, reduce costs and improve access to care, allowing for timely diagnosis and treatment. However, we are also using technology and other types of health care solutions to go the extra step and give patients peace of mind.
As a mother, I know how difficult it can be being away from your baby. We don’t want parents to have to feel that separation, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure that their tiny babies are in the right hands, receiving the best care we have to offer.
