Tele-Observation Medicine
Did you know observation patients represent 20 – 36% of patients staying in a hospital?
Observation units are a critical extension of emergency departments, serving as a flexible and cost-effective solution for both routine care and disaster response. These units reduce unnecessary admissions, improve diagnostic accuracy, and preserve health care costs and resource utilization. During disasters, they are especially valuable for managing patients needing 6–24 hours of care, helping hospitals maintain capacity and efficiency.
Telemedicine-enabled, protocol-driven observation units—like those at Emory University Hospital—have proven effective in daily operations and crisis scenarios. Virtual rounding has demonstrated outcomes comparable to in-person care, reducing patient length of stay by 20–30 hours and saving over $1,000 per case. This model supports hospitals facing staffing and financial challenges while maintaining quality care.
Virtual rounding in an emergency department observation unit (EDOU) can be a tool to optimize patient care with hospitals unable to staff observation units while not compromising quality and performance.
In its best practice guidelines for emergency departments, Medicare describes virtual rounding as a way that “Providers can use Telehealth technology to check an emergency department patient virtually.” This helps limit the number of providers who are physically present and exposed to contagious diseases. It also saves time and conserves personal protective equipment.
In disaster settings, tele-observation allows rapid deployment of scalable care solutions. Medicare recognizes virtual rounding as a best practice for minimizing provider exposure and conserving PPE. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption of virtual care, highlighting its role in reducing ED visits and expanding access during public health emergencies.
Investing in telemedicine-supported observation units strengthens hospital readiness, improves patient flow, and enhances resilience in times of crisis.