Inside OSF HealthCare’s strategy to cut ER wait times

Peoria, Ill.-based OSF HealthCare is implementing virtual technology to reduce emergency department wait times at its St. Elizabeth Medical Center locations in Ottawa and Peru, Ill.

Patients who meet certain clinical criteria are triaged into virtual care rooms, where a nurse facilitates a video connection with a remote physician. The virtual provider conducts assessments, develops treatment plans, coordinates prescriptions and outlines follow-up care, according to an OSF HealthCare release.

The program is designed to expedite care for patients with nonemergent needs, allowing those with more serious conditions to be prioritized for in-person care. If virtual care is deemed insufficient at any point, patients are transferred immediately to traditional emergency care.

The virtual exam rooms are equipped with mobile carts that have two-way audio, high-resolution video and tools enabling the remote physician to assess breath and cardiac sounds, as well as conduct visual ear and eye examinations.

OSF Healthcare is also deploying virtual behavioral health clinicians to ensure patients with mental health needs are seen within one hour. 

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