How PHL Group provide remote paediatric clinical assessment using one-way video

PHL?works in partnership with South Central Ambulance Service 111 to help patients receive the right treatment, by the right clinician, in the most suitable healthcare setting. The 111 First service was introduced during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic to support emergency departments (EDs) and Ambulance services.

Our Paediatric desk?plays an important role in reducing ED admissions. Staffed by a dedicated team of qualified paediatric nurses, they review any case which would fall within PHL’s Clinical Assessment Service for children under the age of 18.

We use an incredible piece of technology from GoodSAM to support our Paediatric Clinical Assessment Service. With GoodSAM one-way video, our paediatric team can text a link to the caller, which will initiate the one-way video call. Our qualified paediatric nurses use the one-way video call to get an instant opinion on the patient’s health, whether they are experiencing sickness, or have an injury. The use of GoodSAM allows us to better assess the needs of an individual patient, which means we can advise them on the next steps they should take.

It is said that a picture paints a thousand words, but moving video and audio paints a thousand more. As used by 999 / 111 / 101 / 112 / 911 / 000 and Out Of Hours Emergency Services Around the World, GoodSAM’s Instant Help platform enables emergency dispatchers and urgent care call handlers to instantly gain real-time insight into situations.

In addition to the paediatric clinical assessment service, PHL have compiled a page of resources for carers and parents of children and young people. The page provides a range of advice and guidance for parents or carers on a range of topics including physical health, wellbeing and mental health support.

Jodyne, a Specialist Paediatric Nurse Clinician at PHL says,

“GoodSAM has proven to be a very useful resource for us, we are able to assess our young people much more effectively, especially with respiratory concerns and rashes. This helps us to provide a safer outcome for the patient but also gives many parents much more reassurance. I have many initially anxious parents tell me that just knowing their child has been seen using the live video makes them feel much more settled and confident about managing their child’s illness at home and also knowing what signs/symptoms to look out for when referring to the Healthier Together website.”

A recent study with North West Ambulance Service revealed that in 93% of calls, an outcome was reached more quickly with the GoodSAM one-way video. Also, 96% of dispatchers said it increased their confidence in clinical decision making and in 62% of cases, it prevented the onward need for a face-to-face consultation.

A parent of one of our young patients said,

“‘My daughter has had several bouts of croup in her life and each time it’s terrifying as it happens in the middle of the night and she suddenly wakes up struggling for breath. The last time this happened GoodSAM was used by PHL’s paediatric team to assess her. Knowing that a clinician can see your child is incredibly comforting as a parent. This is a great example of how technology is helping to change the patient experience.”

We are immensely proud of our Paediatric team and grateful to be supported by GoodSAM to provide exceptional service to our patients.

If you or your child are injured or feeling ill, and you’re not sure what to do, be sure to call 111.