Telehealth care coordinator’s actions save Veteran

Jean Hollinrake served in the Iowa Army National Guard for 21 years, first as a combat medic and then as an officer. Now retired from the guard, she serves Veterans as a care coordinator for the Remote Patient Monitoring - Home Telehealth (RPM-HT) program at Central Iowa VA in Des Moines.

She recently used RPM-HT technology to help a Veteran who was experiencing a life-threatening, irregular heartbeat.

As an RPM-HT care coordinator, Hollinrake helps Veterans establish health goals and remotely monitors their daily health data, such as heart rate and blood pressure readings. Additionally, she assists with facilitating treatment changes, clinic appointments and, when necessary, emergency care.

Hollinrake began her day as normal on May 22 by reviewing Veterans' health data. She noticed that a Veteran with congestive heart failure transmitted an unexpectedly high blood pressure and heart rate. She was concerned, so she called the Veteran to assess and evaluate how he was feeling.

"The outcome could have been completely different."

Due to the assessment, the Veteran was encouraged to visit the local emergency room.

"The Veteran was hesitant to visit the ER, which isn't unusual. No one likes a trip to the ER if it can be avoided. The Veteran mentioned he had a home visit scheduled with his VA social worker that same day. Contact was made with his social worker to see if they could help persuade the Veteran to be evaluated," Hollinrake said.

With a little extra encouragement from his care team, the Veteran visited the emergency room, and ER staff conducted an electrocardiogram. It showed the Veteran was experiencing supraventricular tachycardia, which is when the heart beats abnormally fast.

In severe cases, this irregular heartbeat can cause the heart to stop altogether. The ER staff provided a brief shock treatment to restore the Veteran's regular heartbeat.

"Had he not received help when he did, the outcome could have been completely different," Hollinrake said.

Following treatment, the Veteran was back home in a matter of hours. Hollinrake's quick response saved the Veteran from what could have been a costly stay in the hospital, if not a more severe outcome.

RPM-HT program

Veterans who enroll in the RPM-HT program can send health data, such as vitals and questionnaire responses, to their VA home telehealth care team. To track their vitals, eligible Veterans can receive VA telehealth technology, such as blood pressure machines and pulse oximeters, both of which measure heart rate, scales and more.

41% reduction in hospital admissions

"Home telehealth works because it gives the Veteran a voice in their care. The program is voluntary, so generally we see great involvement from the Veterans who choose to enroll. Home telehealth allows care coordinators to routinely monitor and connect with Veterans wherever they are providing the right care, in the right place at the right time," Hollinrake said.

In fiscal year 2023, Veterans enrolled in RPM-HT experienced a 41% reduction in hospital admissions. Additionally, enrolled Veterans who were admitted to the hospital saw a 70% reduction in the length of their stay.

"I always tell Veterans I'm not here to replace their care team, but I will always be their cheerleader. We're all in our health care journeys together," she added.

To learn more about the RPM - HT program, visit the VA Telehealth Services website.

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