TELERADIOLOGY What is it Teleradiology uses standard network technologies such as the Internet, telephone lines, wide area networks or local area networks, and specialized software to quickly and safely transmit a patient’s radiologic images (such as brain scans), to another location to be read and interpreted by specialists who are available 24/7. Why is it important Teleradiology improves patient care by allowing radiologists to provide services without actually having to be at the patient’s location. This is particularly important when subspecialists such as MRI radiologists, neuroradiologists, pediatric radiologists or musculoskeletal radiologists are needed, because these professionals are generally only in large metropolitan areas. TIME IS BRAIN Every second counts when a patient is experiencing a stroke. Early medical treatment can reduce the risk of death or disability. Telemedicine and teleradiology, and the close cooperation of the network hospitals, help to quickly identify patients who may benefit from treatment options beyond those available at their local hospitals. After a thorough evaluation by network specialists, a patient can be efficiently transported to Fort Wayne for further intervention and treatment, if needed. Since its inception in March 2007, the StrokeCareNow Network has quickly grown to a total of 20 tri-state (Indiana, Michigan and Ohio) hospitals. CALL Education Comes to You If your organization would like someone to speak about stroke and stroke care, please call MGH Community Outreach at 765-662-4849. MGH’s experienced emergency room physicians, nurses and staff and clinical department members have been specially trained in the detection and management of acute stroke and use the same treatment protocols as the hub hospitals (Parkview and Lutheran) in Fort Wayne. The staff training and affiliation with the StrokeCareNow Network has already had a positive effect on the lives of several MGH patients. “Since the inception of the StrokeCareNow Network, our physicians have been able to intervene on several patients who have had complete reversal of their acute stroke symptoms,” says Tim Drinkard, D.O., MGH emergency room medical director. “For the appropriate patient, this new technology offers the highest level of care.” The best stroke care in the region is now available locally, close to home, at <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong>. Sources: www.strokecarenow.com and www.strokeassociation.org LESS THAN ONE IN TEN stroke victims get to the hospital on time for a meaningful recovery. KNOW THE SIGNS of stroke and act F.A.S.T.! Facial weakness: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop A rm and leg weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward S peech problems: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred Is the sentence repeated correctly Tim e is critical: If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 911 immediately … brain cells are dying. These stroke facts are included on signs throughout MGH. Vim & Vigor · SPRING 2011 5
Surgical MGH’s winning routine for thousands of patients each year Go To Faces You Can Trust Turn to page 8 to meet our surgeons. 6 Vim & Vigor • SPRING 2011
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