In collaboration with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), STARS has initiated a virtual care trial to expedite critical patient care across the province.
The program, known as STARS Virtual Care, enables Transport Physicians to establish secure video connections with local providers during active missions.
The initiative facilitates immediate assessment, stabilization, and treatment support for critically ill or injured patients. Utilizing the GoodSAM platform, STARS aims to enhance the precision and timeliness of patient care.
Dr. Dallas Pearson, STARS Base Medical Director for Regina and Saskatoon, highlighted the significance of direct visual assessment.
“This new tool is allowing us to provide care more precisely and timely because when I am consulted, I can see the problem directly rather than having someone describe it to me over the phone, especially when they can often be in the midst of dealing with a very critical situation.”
Local physicians can now connect with STARS via the Emergency Link Centre (ELC), with calls promptly transferred to Transport Physicians available 24/7. Beyond critical care consultations, STARS Transport Physicians offer logistical support and medical assistance to air medical crews during missions.
Once a call is initiated, a STARS Transport Physician can propose a video consult with the local physician to visually assess the patient and provide comprehensive support, diagnosis, and guidance. Subsequently, gathered information is relayed to STARS Air Medical Crews and specialists at receiving hospitals to facilitate optimal treatment planning.
STARS Chief Clinical Officer and Flight Nurse Cindy Seidl emphasized the program’s contribution to expedited and efficient treatment
“Our commitment to the highest quality of critical care includes always looking for innovative ways to provide care to our patients,” she said. “This new tool will help our Transport Physician and medical crews quickly diagnose the patient and provide stabilization advice while our transport teams are en route. Our enhanced ability to provide quick and efficient treatment will ultimately save time and lives.”
