A diagnostic telemedicine tool, developed by GPs, is so be trialled by a residential care home in Cumbria and a specialist complex care centre in Nottinghamshire.
The innovation supports GPs to remotely undertake virtual care rounds and utilise diagnostic equipment, without the need to leave their practice to visit patients.
It includes a no-touch infrared basal thermometer, and set of digital stethoscope, otoscope and tongue depressor attachments, supporting GPs to conduct an assessments of a patient’s respiratory, ear nose and throat, and heart health.
Developed by Dr Stephen Katebe and Dr Omobolaji Iji to support GP provision in remote communities, the solution Teki-Hub, is to be trialled at Pathfinders Specialist and Complex Care centre for physical health needs in Nottinghamshire, while Kirksanton Care Home in Millom will be the first home in Cumbria to trial the technology.
The solution was initially evaluated by NHS Arden & GEM CSU, to study the quality of the audio and images, and ease of system use, and it achieved an average satisfaction score of 4.7 out of 5. While over 90% of patients who have responded to a post-consultation survey rated the overall treatment experience as excellent.
Dr Stephen Katebe, co-founder of Tekihealth Solutions, said: “As GPs ourselves, we fully understand the barriers to providing swift and comprehensive care to care home residents – particularly during COVID-19.
“With Teki-Hub installed, clinicians can see up to six patients an hour, with no lost time spent travelling, and without the additional risks currently associated with in-person consultations. We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for pilots as NHS organisations look to enhance the quality and safety of care we can provide within pandemic – and financial – constraints.”
