What do I do for pauses on telemetry (tele)?

From the Guidelines

If you're experiencing pauses on tele, the first step is to contact the system manufacturer to determine the extent and severity of delays and obtain product-specific recommendations. When dealing with pauses on hospital telemetry systems, it's crucial to consider the potential impact on patient care and safety. According to the American Heart Association's science advisory 1, hospitals and care facilities should take several steps to address this issue.

• Contact the system manufacturer to determine the extent, if any, and severity of delays and to obtain product-specific recommendations
• Educate clinical personnel about the potential for delays
• Consider protocol or guidelines on the appropriate use of hard-wired monitors
• Regularly evaluate wireless interference and network congestion, which can cause delays. This approach prioritizes patient safety and ensures that clinical personnel are aware of the potential for delays, allowing them to take appropriate action to minimize the risk of adverse events, as recommended by the study published in Circulation 1.

From the Research

Pauses on Telemedicine

When experiencing pauses on telemedicine, several strategies can be employed to ensure continuity of care:

• Assessing patients' technological readiness in advance to prevent technical issues 2
• Being flexible with telehealth modes, such as using telephone or video visits, depending on the patient's needs and technological capabilities 3, 2
• Using available home or facility-based staff to assist with telehealth visits 2
• Educating patients on telehealth privacy and usefulness to increase their comfort and engagement with the technology 2
• Making accommodations for disabilities to ensure equal access to telehealth services 2
• Involving caregivers in the telehealth visit to provide additional support and assistance 2

Technical Considerations

Technical issues, such as pauses or connectivity problems, can be mitigated by:

• Ensuring a stable internet connection and suitable technology setup 4
• Providing guidance to patients on how to use the telehealth platform and troubleshoot common technical issues 4
• Having a backup plan in place, such as a telephone number, in case of technical difficulties 4

Best Practices

General best practices for successful telemedicine encounters include:

• Ensuring confidentiality and consent 4
• Preparation before a visit, including reviewing patient records and preparing any necessary materials 4
• Clear patient communication, including explaining the purpose and process of the telehealth visit 4