Connecting Patients to Clinicians During Stroke Recovery with MyChart

Patients recovering from strokes need to work closely with their care team to stay on track with rehabilitation. Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh is connecting patients to their providers directly from their phones using MyChart Care Companion, which gives patients an interactive plan of care for stroke recovery.

With Care Companion, patients follow an individualized care plan. They record day-to-day health details that are shared with a provider, such as vitals, symptoms, or how they’re doing with a medication regimen. Patients also see reminders about important milestones and can connect Care Companion to personal devices, such as a heart rate monitor or step counter.

“When patients are hospitalized or dealing with a chronic condition, following a plan of care is essential to a successful recovery,” said Dr. Robert White, AHN’s CMIO. “With MyChart Care Companion, patients are guided through the care plan and able to communicate with their caregivers from anywhere.”

Clinicians see advisories in Epic when patients record abnormal symptoms in Care Companion or miss medications. This can save vital time for stroke patients—a priority in Allegheny County, where stroke is one of the top causes of death.

“I have more peace of mind that my patients are following their care plan,” said Kelly Buchinsky, a nurse navigator at AHN who guides stroke patients through recovery. “Previously, we relied on phone calls to follow up with patients. Now, I’m notified right away when they have concerning symptoms. We can work together to avoid complications.”

Read more from Becker’s. Epic community members can learn more about Care Companion on the UserWeb.