Telus invests in caregiver communications solution

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – PatientSafe Solutions, a leader in smart point-of-care mobile solutions for healthcare, has announced a new strategic investment of $3 million from Telus Ventures. PatientSafe’s clinical workflow solution, the PatientTouch system, is a mobile platform allowing caregivers to easily communicate and collaborate with each other from the point-of-care, thereby enhancing efficiency, quality and patient outcomes.

The PatientTouch system consolidates electronic health record (EHR) data in a single mobile system to ensure caregivers can access information on-the-spot in order to verify patient treatments, procedures and services, which in turn supports healthcare organizations as they seek to reduce costs, improve the productivity of their clinical teams, and deliver superior patient care.

“Telus Ventures and PatientSafe Solutions share a common goal to make healthcare a more effective, efficient, and high-quality experience for patients and hospital systems alike,” said Telus Ventures Vice-President Mathew George (pictured). “The PatientTouch system has already demonstrated its potential in the United States, having been embraced by leading institutions. We now look forward to bringing the technology north of the border to improve quality of care and positively impact patient outcomes.”

In addition to the investment, Telus Health will be the exclusive reseller of the PatientTouch system in Canada and introduce PatientSafe to international telecom partners. Through the reseller agreement, PatientSafe will benefit from Telus Health’s dedicated health information technology sales force, while Telus Health customers will have early access to PatientSafe’s technology.

This agreement comes on the heels of PatientSafe’s recent expansion into the Asia Pacific healthcare market and investment by EDBI, the investment arm of the Singapore Economic Development Board.

“This investment and exclusive reseller agreement is the latest validation of PatientSafe’s approach to supporting the future of healthcare on a global scale,” said Joseph Condurso, president and chief executive officer of PatientSafe Solutions. “We appreciate Telus’ support and look forward to working with the company to bring the PatientTouch system to Canada.

“Together, we can provide healthcare organizations with smart point-of-care mobile tools that can drive better outcomes, safer care, lower costs, as well as patient and care-team satisfaction across the healthcare continuum.”

As the adoption of EHRs grows, the technology’s ability to support safer patient care and preserve productivity in the near term is a key factor in its future success. The deep interoperability between the PatientTouch system and Telus Health’s OACIS Clinical Information system and electronic medical records (EMR) platforms will help healthcare practitioners better streamline workflows, augment staff efficiency and patient safety, and support improved patient outcomes within the Telus Health ecosystem.

“We believe that increased collaboration, not only among healthcare providers, but also between healthcare providers and their patients is vital; it will help build a better healthcare future for Canadians of all ages,” said Paul Lepage, President, Telus Health. “By aligning with PatientSafe, we underscore the importance of mobile technology in this transformation and further our vision of delivering innovative technology solutions for patient-centered care.”

About Telus Ventures

Telus Ventures, the strategic venture investment arm of Telus, evaluates companies, markets, management teams and technologies to ensure a fit to Telus’ strategy and to maximize financial returns on investment. The Ventures’ team drives success for its portfolio of company investments by actively facilitating relationships within Telus and our network of partners.

About Telus Health

Telus Health is a leader in tele-homecare, electronic medical and health records, consumer health, benefits management and pharmacy management. Telus Health solutions give health authorities, providers, physicians, and patients the power to turn information into better health outcomes. For more information about Telus Health, please visit telushealth.com.

About the PatientTouch System

The PatientTouch system is a smart point-of-care mobile solution that pairs PatientSafe’s eMMA handheld with software applications designed to improve clinician workflow, ensure accurate medication administration, and foster deeper care coordination and communication. Specific capabilities include barcode positive patient identification (PPID), streamlined mobile data entry, voice-over-IP communication and HIPAA-compliant text messaging, unified task and interventions inbox, and other trans-disciplinary workflows. To date, over 300 million medication administrations have been conducted using the PatientTouch system. The PatientTouch Blood Product Administration module, which documents and verifies blood transfusions and phlebotomy specimens, received 510(k) clearance from the FDA.

About PatientSafe Solutions

PatientSafe Solutions, of San Diego, Calif., is leading the way in smart point-of-care mobile solutions and pioneering technologies for the future of accountable care. PatientSafe is dedicated to delivering measurable safety and quality improvements through mobile EHR solutions that fit seamlessly into care team workflows. With over 75 implementations in the United States, the company’s flagship product, the PatientTouch system, pairs specialized software applications with customized Apple hardware to eliminate harm, reduce waste, and improve productivity. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.patientsafesolutions.com.