Adventist Health Tillamook launched a NICU telemedicine service that connects local care teams with neonatal specialists at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). This service allows real-time consultations and immediate access to advanced neonatal care, bridging the gap for rural families who previously faced delays in accessing specialized services. The initiative reduces the stress of travel for families and enhances the quality of care provided locally.

Key Outcomes: 

• Improved Access to Specialized Care: Rural families can now access NICU expertise without leaving their community, leading to better health outcomes for newborns.
• Faster Treatment Decisions: Immediate, real-time consultations reduce delays, ensuring critical care is delivered without unnecessary waiting periods.
• Reduced Family Burden: Families are able to stay close to their newborns during treatment, alleviating the emotional and financial strain of traveling long distances for care.

Why We Did It

The need to address health disparities in rural areas, where access to specialized neonatal care is limited, drove the introduction of NICU telemedicine. By connecting local care teams with OHSU experts, Adventist Health aimed to improve health equity, reduce barriers to care, and provide families in underserved communities with high-quality support and resources.

Topics: Health Equity and Access to Care|Rural & Underserved