Healthier You

continued from page 26
Kim McDuff, transplant redesign project coordinator, along
with her colleagues at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital
Kidney Transplant Clinic in Trail, recognized the need to find
other options for patients who have to drive long distances for
follow-up appointments. They decided to develop a pilot project
where post-transplant patients were given the option to attend
their clinic appointment in Cranbrook and connect to Trail via
telehealth.
“Telehealth offers a way to provide adequate and continuous
care for our post-transplant patients not living in Trail,” says Kim.
In collaboration with BC Transplant, telehealth appointments
were offered for the first time for post-transplant patients. The
pilot ran from November 2014 to May 2015 with 12 patients using
the service.
Georgi Winger is the renal nurse at Cranbrook Wellness Centre
who facilitates the appointment between the patient and the Trail
Kidney Transplant Clinic.
“Although we’ve only been doing telehealth with post-transplant
patients for a short time, the feedback has been nothing but
positive,” says Georgi. “They are so grateful to be able to meet with
the transplant team and receive the care they need without having
to take the time to travel to Trail. Prior to telehealth, Paula would
have to take a day off work for her appointments in Trail, plus
spend money on gas and meals. I believe telehealth has reduced
the emotional and financial stress of many of our patients which,
I’m sure, has a positive impact on their health and well-being.”
During the follow-up appointment, Georgi records Paula’s
blood pressure, weight, and pulse; checks for edema (excess of
fluid); and relays the information via telehealth videoconferencing
to the team in Trail. On the receiving end is Teresa Buckley,
transplant clinic nurse, and a transplant nephrologist, social
worker, and dietitian.
“It’s expensive for people to take an unpaid day off work and
stressful to drive the mountain pass to Trail,” says Teresa. “With
telehealth, this health-care service is more accessible and increases
the continuity of care.”
Through telehealth, Paula is able to connect with each of the
care providers involved in her post-recovery care plan without
having to drive to Trail each time.
“To me, there is no difference in the service provided,” says
Paula. “I’m just glad I don’t have to make the drive… It’s such a
benefit for patients who would otherwise have to travel.”
Telehealth for transplant patients is expected to expand to other
areas of Interior Health.
“Right now we are looking at other rural sites in Interior Health
with renal nurses who can facilitate these appointments,” says
Teresa. “We have also just begun to facilitate appointments for
pre-transplant patients, before they go to Vancouver for surgery.”
The first pre-transplant appointment took place in early January
and more are expected throughout 2016.
Did you know…
One organ donor can save eight
lives. Visit www.transplant.bc.ca
to learn more.
above: Paula Smith (R), standing
with renal nurse Georgi Winger and
the telehealth unit in Cranbrook, no
longer has to drive to Trail for her
appointments.
below: Transplant clinic nurse Teresa
Buckley is part of the transplant team
at the other end of the telehealth
video ready to review Paula’s postrecovery
progress.
28 Healthier You spring 2016