Digital
Solutions in Northern
Communities – Telehealth
Bea
Felker is a visionary. Her primary job is the telehealth coordinator
for the Yukon government’s department of Health and Social Services
and after only two years of operation, Felker says the Yukon Telehealth
program is making a positive difference in the lives of Yukoners.
“The
telehealth network is providing us with fantastic new options to
communicate more effectively with more people. Not only are we saving
valuable time – but our communications are far more effective on
a number of levels due to the multi-media capabilities,” said Felker.
“The
network serves us in a number of ways,” she explained. “Patient
care is obviously enhanced, but also health professionals use the
network to share information and support one another. Telehealth
reduces professional isolation and allows healthcare staff in a
remote community to access services from the main hospital in Whitehorse
and other locations.”
Physicians
and nurses can now access continuing education that they would have
to forego in the past due to travel and time commitments. There
are also public education sessions that are geared to patients available
via the telehealth network.
Felker
describes one of the features the system is providing Yukon patients
and their families; “Family members in remote communities are now
able to have a ‘virtual’ visit with someone who is experiencing
a long hospitalization. It’s a small thing, but something very important
for families wanting to stay close and supportive during traumatic
times.”
