A leading health system in the Southeastern United States, known for its nationally recognized stroke and trauma care, sought to improve emergency stroke response and pre-hospital decision-making. By implementing a telehealth-enabled workflow that connected field EMS teams with remote neurologists in real time, the organization was able to drive faster interventions, smarter triage, and better outcomes for patients.
In partnership with Iron Bow Healthcare Solutions, the health system selected ExtendedCare’s virtual care platform as the core technology behind this initiative; fully integrated with their Epic EHR system and deployed across Mobile Stroke Units (MSUs) and EMS teams in the field.
THE CHALLENGE
As they say in stroke care, “time is brain”. Every minute counts when treating a stroke patient.
Responding quickly to emergent situations, especially strokes can make the difference between full recovery and lasting disability. Grady Health System, based in Atlanta, wanted to strengthen its Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workflows by using virtual care technology to connect field teams directly with remote specialists.
The health system needed a solution that would:
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Speed up stroke assessments so neurologists could determine whether life-saving treatments (like tPA) needed to be administered before the patient reached the hospital.
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Support EMS teams in the field with real-time specialist input, helping them make faster, better decisions about what care could be provided to the patient on scene before transporting the patient to the hospital.
THE SOLUTION
The organization deployed a flexible and field-tested workflow powered by ExtendedCare’s telehealth platform, working in tandem with Iron Bow’s mobile health solutions.
The solution offered:
1. Telehealth-Enabled Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU)
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Neurologists initiate video consults from within Epic, seamlessly launching into ExtendedCare’s embedded interface, resulting in a fully integrated telehealth video visit within the existing workflow.
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A customized version of the Iron Bow MedView virtual care device, adapted to integrate with two remotely controllable PTZ cameras mounted at appropriate vantage points inside the MSU allowing specialists to visually assess the patient and collaborate with EMS staff.
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Real-time video and audio communication enables faster diagnosis, informed treatment decisions, and communication with receiving ED staff; all before the patient arrives at the hospital.
2. Telehealth-Enabled EMS for In-Home Assessments
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EMS teams are equipped with Iron Bow’s MEDiC portable kit, integrated with ExtendedCare and featuring clinical peripherals such medical scopes with exam lenses and a digital stethoscope.
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Remote physicians connect directly with EMS teams via Epic and ExtendedCare using IronMed to guide EMTs through focused assessments.
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Vitals and real-time audio/video are shared to support decisions on whether hospital transport is necessary or if care can be provided at home.
RESULTS & IMPACT
This health system achieved:
Accelerated Stroke Response
Neurologists gain early visibility and can assess stroke patients and recommend treatments sooner, reducing the critical door-to-needle time for stroke care.
Reduced ED Overload
EMS teams deliver care with confidence, aided by real-time specialist input, avoiding unnecessary transports thereby improving resource utilization and patient flow
Improved Patient Outcomes
Earlier diagnosis and faster treatment improved recovery rates for stroke patients and others needing emergency care.
Operational Efficiency
By streamlining communication between EMS teams, neurologists, and emergency physicians, the embedded Epic workflow ensured adoption and usability across clinical teams.
LOOKING AHEAD
The health system continues to build on its virtual care foundation, expanding use cases to include virtual nursing, telesitting, and other innovative workflows. With ExtendedCare as the telehealth engine and Iron Bow as a trusted integration partner, the organization is redefining how care is delivered across the emergency spectrum.