Award winning project for Altnagelvin Diabetes team

Named as recipients of a prestigious British Medical Journal Award in the category of Innovation in Quality Improvement, the team was commended for their display of adaptability and innovative thinking to preserve a high level of patient care at a worry-filled time for expectant mothers.

The partnership between HSL and the Western Trust, which began in January 2019, has seen consultants incorporate a state-of-the-art telehealth (video appointment) solution by Pexip into their daily patient care, helping to maintain and improve patient contact despite limited access due to Covid-19.

Led internally by Dr Athinyaa Thiraviaraj, Consultant Physician in Diabetes & Endocrinology, the clinicians at the Western Trust have carried out over 1000 consultations (as of Nov 2020) via the integrated interface in order to better meet patient needs and gain a more holistic view of the patient’s overall condition whilst also keeping patient communications open during a period of time which has seen reduced opportunity for in-person appointments during the coronavirus pandemic.

Commenting on the success of the telehealth solution for answering patients’ needs, Dr Athinyaa Thiraviaraj said: “Working in partnership with women who attend our service, we have been able to develop, test, and standardise video-consultations.

“This has helped our service to continue with minimal interruptions through both the first and second surge of the pandemic.

“This innovative model of care has made it possible for us to continue our commitment to support expectant mothers at a time of anxiety and concern.”

Commenting on the special role that video calls have made in maintaining a high level of patient care Dr Thiraviaraj added: “I can’t see our service defaulting to phone clinics.

“It’s just not the same when you are engaging in complex conversations like a health care consultation.”

Reflecting on the seamless integration of HSL’s Telehealth solution and the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s Gestational Diabetes Pathway, Director of Telehealth at Hospital Services Limited Sam McMaster said: “Dr Thiraviaraj is one of the most progressive and innovative clinicians I have worked with in all my time working with the NHS. We are delighted for the accolade she and her team have received which reinforces the outstanding level of patient care, innovation, and adaptability shown by Athinyaa and her team.”