How InTouch Health’s New Telemedicine Device is Changing Delivery of Care

RP-VITA is Transforming Team-Based Care

The first chapter in telemedicine was about providing care where it was urgently needed, especially in rural and underserved communities. However, we’re now seeing breakthroughs in how care is delivered. With the help of virtual care and InTouch Health’s new telemedicine device, remote specialists are able to work closely with onsite clinicians as if they were actually present in the same room.

Team-based care requires technologies that are seamless and easy to use. InTouch Health’s new RP-VITA remote presence robot is taking ease of use to the next level with its environmental awareness and autonomous capabilities. Simply by tapping a tablet screen, a clinician can select a destination and the RP-VITA will undock and go where directed autonomously.

Upon arrival, RP-VITA coordinates the care provided by a multidisciplinary team – some local, some remote. Not only does the RP-VITA transform collaborative care, it adds a new layer of clinical value by serving as a force multiplier to existing onsite staff. In short, RP-VITA brings healthcare’s long-sought triple aim into reach: improving healthcare access to entire populations, reducing per-capita costs, and dramatically enhancing the patient experience.

Example of RP-VITA coordinating care in the ICU

At 7:25 in the morning, a clinician taps an iPad screen and RP-VITA automatically undocks and moves on its own to the ICU. The robot displays patient data to the onsite nurse, respiratory therapist and case manager. It also makes that same information available to the remote critical care physician and pharmacist. Soon after, a radiologist joins in the collaborative effort as the team discusses daily goals. RP-VITA then moves independently to the next patient, and eventually returns to its charging station.

RP-VITA is helping to ensure that technology, people and processes are all on the same page, delivering superbly-coordinated care that leads to better outcomes and lower costs.