TeleCare broadly defined, is the digital transmission of medical information from
one site to another to facilitate a patient to healthcare provider interaction.
Using this definition St. Claire TeleCare has merged video teleconferencing equipment
with medical peripherials to provide this interaction. The video conference unit
provides face-to-face interactivity and is the backbone of the network. Heart and
Lung sounds as well as various medical camera systems are used to gather patient
information in the form of video and sound and are transmitted in real time to the
healthcare professional at the other site.
Access to care has been an issue that has plagued all of rural eastern Kentucky.
With TeleCare it is possible to provide highly specialized services to very remote
areas of eastern Kentucky. These services are available in local primary care clinics,
public schools and rural hospitals. With 24 sites in all, St. Claire TeleCare has
greatly increased the access to special care in the counties surrounding Rowan County
Kentucky. Claire TeleCare is a partner in the Kentucky TeleHealth Network (KTHN)
and this partnership opens up over 70 more sites available for medical connectivity.
St. Claire TeleCare is committed to the continued growth of the network and the
expansion of available clinical services. Truly, TeleCare uses innovative teleconferencing
technology to increase medical access to the foothills of the appalachians.
