Hull University Teaching Hospitals is trialling a pre-hospital video triage scheme enabling stroke coordinators to connect to Yorkshire Ambulance Service crews via video technology, to enable visual checks and digital evaluations.
Where suspected stroke is identified through the video assessment, ambulances will transport patients to Hull Royal Infirmary on an emergency light, whilst patients who are deemed to be not at risk will be redirected to community services.
Consultant in stroke services Dr Bernard Esisi states that the video triage scheme should help clinicians to “formulate a more accurate diagnosis so people having strokes can be treated in the right place at the right time, as quickly as possible. Every minute counts when someone is having a stroke so this new system means we can help people who need us more quickly while making sure those not having strokes get the right support without having to come into hospital.”
Digital triage: the wider trend
HTN previously explored use of a digital triage system at a practice in Kingston, which is designed to help patients choose the best option for them when accessing the practice. The practice highlighted that in one month where 2,800 queries were received through the system, more than one third were resolved without the need for an appointment.
We also reported how Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust trialled the use of artificial intelligence in radiology with the aim of enabling more efficient triaging and prioritisation of lung cancer cases, which the trust hoped would help in speeding up the cancer diagnosis pathway and improving patient experience.
Last year we interviewed HART paramedic Steven Thompson about his work co-developing and testing a virtual reality simulation for mass casualty triage.
Spotlight on the region
The video triage projects reportedly forms part of ‘Flow’, a transformation project designed to evaluate and streamline patient journeys spearheaded by Hull Teaching Hospitals and Northern Lincolnshire and Google NHS Foundation Trust through the NHS Humber Health Partnership.
Earlier in the summer we noted how the two trusts also launched a video game designed to help boost recruitment for pharmacy roles.
From nearby Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, we highlighted an update on the virtual ward programme 12 months after the launch; and a redesign of mental health crisis referral pathways.
Other news from the wider Yorkshire region sees Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust launching a digital data centre designed to “support the 24/7 operation of a vast range of digital systems” underpinning clinical and non-clinical activities; Innovate UK working with West Yorkshire Combined Authority to offer a share of up to £500,000 for innovation projects.
Across April to June we explored the digital and data landscape in each of the ICS regions; you can find the Yorkshire and North East edition here.
