Hospital launches emergency department text messaging program
Posted by CEP America on Wed, Apr 07, 2010 @ 10:45 AM
By Marty Ogle, MD
A technology was unveiled this week that those of us in emergency medicine will surely want to know about (no, not Apple's iPad). Riverside Community Hospital in southern California has announced the launch of its new ER texting program. It's the only one of its kind in the area, and was implemented to help local residents determine average wait times at the ER, so they know what to expect.
How it works is - by simply texting "ER" to a five digit number from a cell phone, and replying with the zip code, a person can receive the average time to be seen at the hospital's emergency department. They'll also receive a number to call to speak with a nurse.
By texting "healthy" along with a five digit number, callers can also receive occasional health information and updates on upcoming hospital events. "Text messaging today is the fastest way of communicating" says Patrick Brilliant, President and CEO of Riverside Community Hospital. "When a person is ill and in need of medical assistance, they're expecting to be seen quickly."
With this new program, a patient can know what to expect before they come to Riverside Community Hospital. As the largest emergency department in Riverside County, Riverside Community Hospital's ER and Trauma Center is also the most efficient. Because their wait times for most patients are less than 15 minutes, the hospital is happy to share wait times with the community.
The text message program works using a technology that links the computer system in the emergency room with the texting abilities of cell phones. Of course in a true medical emergency, patients should call 911 for assistance.
What are your thoughts on texting for ER wait times? See any negatives? I'd love to hear your opinions!