New technology at Wollongong Hospital is allowing patients to connect with loved ones all around the world.
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The HowRU device, which can be accessed via an iPad, securely connects intensive care unit patients with their loved ones.
In also giving patients "a private virtual space" to communicate, the device reduces the workload of staff in ICU.
ICU nurse unit manager Bernie O'Brien said the device had been especially helpful for people who could not visit patients in hospital because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It allows patients and families to connect when they can not come to visit in the hospital and we've had a lot of success with this, especially with the patients that have not been able to access their families due to border restrictions both internationally and nationally," Ms O'Brien said.
"We've been able to connect patients in Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Malaysia, America and the UK....it has been really amazing.
"The world has come to Wollongong."
ICU senior registrar and COVID Coordination Committee member at Wollongong Hospital, Kathleen Thomas, said HowRU was developed during COVID-19 and will remain an ongoing feature of the Wollongong Hospital ICU.
The hospital worked closely with nurses, social workers, technology experts as well as patients and their families to develop a solution that would overcome the challenges that visitor limitations are placing upon ICU patients, as well as guarantee high levels of security and privacy.
It then collaborated with technology adoption specialists Taleka, Citrus Health and Cisco Webex to develop HowRU - using video and collaboration technology webex teams, to help families stay connected with patients through their ICU stay.
"There is no equal substitute for being able to offer physical comfort to a loved one who is critically ill, however when visitor restrictions are in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is reassuring to know that we have an alternative that we can offer families and patients that most closely simulates our standard of visiting," Ms Thomas said.
"The thing that is unique about this system is that people are able to come and go as they please. The idea of it is to try and stimulate our open visitor policy so that patients and families can connect as often as they need.
"Because of the way it is set up, it can be midday in Germany and 2am in Australia, but the people in Germany can still call and see their loved ones in ICU.
"The fact that families can connect at any time, with minimal input from nurses has dramatically helped improve the patient care experience without increasing the staff workload."
Ms O'Brien added that patients, families and ICU staff were all winners from the new technology.
"It is really rewarding to know that we are helping them emotionally as well. I think it is also important to note that this form of technology also helps the staff, as it enables staff to be emotionally cared for," she said.
"HowRU gives families space together especially when we are in a situation with patients in end of life experiences. And, it enables those family members to have a private space without the intrusion of staff listening to what are very intimate and private conversations."
Ms Thomas added the system was adaptable for each stage of the patient's journey through ICU.
As the patient becomes more independent, they can take over a more active role of managing their interactions in the family space.
"It is working so well we have also moved it down into the Shoalhaven ICU," Ms O'Brien said.
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