A wide variety of clinical services are offered to Saskatchewan patients, most originating out of Regina and Saskatoon. These clinics take several forms:

Recurring Clinics - The health care provider has regular Telehealth clinical time on the network for assessments and follow-ups. The following process is in place:

• The family physician refers the patient or client to the health care provider.
• The health care provider reviews the referral to determine which patients are appropriate to see over Telehealth.
• The health care provider's office sets up appointments within the scheduled Telehealth clinic times and forwards the appointment information to the local Regional Telehealth Coordinator and the Regional Telehealth Coordinator at the patient site.
• Prior to the appointment date, the Regional Telehealth Coordinator will:
  • Contact the patient and confirm their attendance;
  • Provide directions to the facility;
  • Identify any special requirements for the clinic (bring medications, etc.);
  • Explain Telehealth; and
  • Answer any questions the patient may have.
• On the day of the clinic, an appropriately trained person will be at both ends of the Telehealth equipment. The health care provider may opt to operate the equipment independently, or with technical assistance. At the patient site, a trained health care provider will be with the patient if required to ensure that the patient is receiving appropriate care in the distant health care provider's "physical" absence. This may be the Regional Telehealth Coordinator, a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, a Paramedic, or other designated person.
• The Regional Telehealth Coordinator will review Telehealth Saskatchewan's Standard of Care policy with the patient/client prior to the Telehealth session beginning.
• A variety of specialized cameras are available to use depending on the specific needs of the clinic. As well, a dedicated fax machine is available at each site to fax orders for x-rays and lab tests.

Emergency or Ad-Hoc Clinics - No scheduled time is blocked off for the clinician, but urgent or emergent patient clinics, infrequent assessments, and follow-ups can be set up on short notice. Note: Clinical applications have priority on the Telehealth Saskatchewan Network A clinic can pre-empt an educational session or administrative meeting to meet the needs of the patient. The following process is in place to coordinate these clinics:

• The physician or health care provider's office contacts their local Telehealth Coordinator as soon as possible regarding the urgent or emergent need to use Telehealth, and provides the Telehealth Coordinator with the appropriate information. (create link to phone numbers)
• The local Telehealth Coordinator makes the remaining arrangements to ensure patient is seen as quickly as possible, and notifies the referring physician or care provider.
• During the clinic, an appropriately trained person will be at both ends of the Telehealth equipment. Once comfortable with the equipment, the health care provider may opt to operate the equipment independently, with technical assistance near by. At the patient site, a trained health care provider will be with the patient if required for the particular clinic so as to ensure that the patient is receiving appropriate care in the health care provider's "physical" absence. This may be the Telehealth Coordinator, a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, a Paramedic, or other designated person.
• If time allows the Telehealth Coordinator will review Telehealth Saskatchewan's Standard of Care policy with the patient/client prior to the Telehealth session beginning.
• A variety of specialized cameras may be available to use depending on the specific needs of the clinic. As well, a dedicated fax machine is available at each site to fax orders for x-rays and lab tests.

Case Conferences - Telehealth Saskatchewan defines this as a group of health professionals meeting to discuss a clinical case without the patient or client being present. Case Conferences are considered clinical in nature and may also pre-empt educational or administrative use of the network. Case conferences can be set up as recurring, but generally are set up on an as-needed basis. Case conferences can be arranged through your local Telehealth Coordinator.

Clinical Research - Telehealth Saskatchewan is currently involved in special clinical applications such as research projects and studies. Currently, two studies involve using Telehealth technology, and the Telehealth component was an integral part of receiving the research grants. Telehealth is also beginning to branch out into areas that require special coordination of other services or equipment - Tele-Ultrasound, Tele-Radiology, and Tele-Nephrology are some examples currently in use at select locations in our province.

Special Health Care Delivery - If a specific clinical Telehealth application is not listed, Telehealth Saskatchewan will try to arrange a specialty consult on request. You may contact the Program Manager for Telehealth Saskatchewan or your local Telehealth Coordinator for more information. This information can be found on our Telehealth Contact Information page