MUSC Health Partnership Promotes Access to Telehealth Services

Hicuity Health and Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health implemented a virtual system that aimed to enhance access to telehealth services by merging clinical care and technological resources.

For many years, Hicuity Health has centered its efforts around creating telehealth resources, hoping they will lead to healthcare enhancements. Under a contract, they assist over 130 locations in various states. MUSC Health is an academic health system that aims to promote the health of those that reside within the state.

Since 2014, the two organizations have worked with one another to promote healthcare in South Carolina. Together, they provide 24/7/365 access to healthcare. MUSC Health and Hicuity Health now offer tele-ICU programs in hospitals in the state to bolster access to care.

"MUSC Health is proud to collaborate with Hicuity Health to address acute care needs for patients in the Midlands," said Tallulah Holmstrom, MD, Regional CMO, MUSC Health, in a press release.

By adding tele-ICU capabilities, Columbia Medical Center Downtown should be able to treat higher-acuity patients and keep them within their community.

"MUSC Health is proud to collaborate with Hicuity Health to address acute care needs for patients in the Midlands," said Holmstrom. "We've experienced the improved care and outcomes for patients at other South Carolina hospitals and appreciate the opportunity to extend that care to Columbia."

In the past, MUSC has participated in various efforts to promote telehealth quality and outreach.

In August 2021, MUSC and a group of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) from Massachusetts established communication systems to guide potential future endeavors. Staff at MUSC created a telehealth service implementation model, which notes the steps for developing and implementing telehealth services. FQHCs in Massachusetts created a telehealth playbook that, similarly, sought to assist the entire community in healthcare enhancement.

Several collaborations have also sought to enhance access to telehealth services.

In May 2022, Boston Children’s Hospital and Summus Global worked together to create virtual strategies to supply pediatric care. As a virtual specialist platform, Summus Global led the way in creating telehealth strategies. The innovation team and physician faculty from Boston Children’s Hospital stood by to provide input to optimize processes.

In April 2022, Teladoc Health and Northwell Health worked together to improve overall virtual care delivery by enhancing clinical teamwork. Owned by Teladoc, the virtual care platform assisted Northwell patients, which improved patient experience and increased levels of ease during the communication process.