KAILUA-KONA — Mental health care expanded at Kona Community Hospital, as mainland psychiatrists can now remotely consult with patients.
The hospital acquired two InTouch Lite robots with screens that can be brought to a patient and allow them to have a consultation from a doctor afar.
The robots include remotely adjustable camera, privacy headset hookup and directional audio system to communicate with patients. When doctors connect they have access the patient’s chart and other information.
“To date, no studies have identified any patient subgroup that does not benefit from, or is harmed by, mental health care provided through remote videoconferencing,” the American Telemedicine Association wrote in a review of model rules.
The agreement with Dignity Health will allow consultations with one of their on-call doctors, said Judy Donovan, communication officer for the hospital.
Although based on the mainland, the psychiatrists are all licensed and board certified in Hawaii.
The technology is similar to other online video programs, like Skype or FaceTime. However, the robotic system is digitally secured and is approved by the FDA and HIPPA-compliant.
The hospital hopes to expand the operations into the emergency room to expand their operations there.
“We believe our patients should have access to timely, high quality mental health care,” said Pat Kalua, KCH chief nurse executive, in a press release.
“However, there is a nationwide shortage of psychiatrists. As a result, KCH often has difficulty finding coverage in this area of specialty. Thanks to the tele-mental health program, a patient and a psychiatrist can now be connected within 20 minutes of an initial call for service,” the release said.
Sections of the island are considered to have underserved mental health care, with that designation going as far back as 1997 in some areas.
To bring the balance up to the 50,000 people per psychiatrist ratio used by the federal government, Hawaii County needs six more doctors.
Kailua-Kona and Hilo are the only census tracts on the island that are considered to have enough mental health care.
“This patient-centered service will greatly enhance mental health services at Kona Community Hospital,” said Kalua in the release. “This will improve patient care and improve the patient encounter.”