Stanbridge University Integrates Telemedicine Robotic Capabilities into its Curriculum

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwired - November 28, 2017) - Stanbridge University is pleased to announce the expansion of its ed-tech capabilities to include the addition of the telemedicine robotic device, Beam. As the telemedicine industry is evolving to meet the needs of the healthcare industry, major hospitals are now utilizing telepresence devices like Beam, however, many incoming professionals in the healthcare field are not being sufficiently trained to work with the new technology as a part of their education.

Stanbridge University joins a small handful of universities that are incorporating telepresence robots in their curriculum to help the future generations of healthcare workers stay up-to-date. Robotic telepresence devices like Suitable Technologies' creation, Beam, are allowing physicians to be in multiple places at once, bringing much needed aid to the doctor and nursing shortage we are currently experiencing in the United States. Doctors, specialists and nurses can remotely work in hospitals to diagnose patients and offer medical advice during emergencies.

"Hospitals are now using this type of technology in order to leverage the specialists that they have even better and more efficiently," said Dr. Yulun Wang, CEO of Santa Barbara-based InTouch Health and President of the American Telemedicine Association. "Telemedicine will become the core methodology of healthcare delivery in the future. That is where we are going to get the efficiencies we need to provide affordable care."

Stanbridge nursing degree and certificate programs as well as occupational therapy degree programs will be using this technologically advanced system in their courses. Dr. Mark Petersen, the Director of the Graduate OT program at Stanbridge thinks that telehealth and virtual communication devices are going to be pertinent in the future of healthcare. "The Beam virtual communication device advances the reach of telehealth in all areas of occupational therapy practice for therapists to provide services in the client's natural environment," he said. "Students will also be able to participate in distance learning opportunities from instructors who are able to provide clinical skills trainings in multiple sites simultaneously."

Founder and CEO of Bronson Medical, Andrew McCubbins stated that Beam is an integral tool that Bronson Medical staff use regularly to more accurately treat their patients and thinks it is important for incoming healthcare workers to learn about. "Bronson Medical feels it is extremely important for incoming medical professionals to be current on the technological advances in medicine," he said. "This technology gives Bronson Medical the ability to increase the intervals between patient visits which improves patient quality of life and overall health. The patients all respond positively and oftentimes are excited to share with their loved ones of the experience in interacting with their 'Robo Doctor.'"

Hospitals like Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Children's Hospital Boston, and many more are using telepresence robots to expand access to medical specialists, especially in rural areas where there's a shortage of doctors. Thousands of hospitals in the U.S. and abroad are using telemedicine devices to connect specialists and doctors to patients and programs that are lacking expertise at times.

These mobile video-conferencing machines move on wheels and stand about 5 feet tall, with a large screen, camera, microphone, and speakers that allow physicians and patients to see and talk to each other. Nurses and Assistants assist the doctors and the Beam device when physicians or specialists are using it remotely.

About Stanbridge University

Founded in 1996, Stanbridge University offers specialized degrees at the Master, Bachelor, and Associate levels in the fields of Nursing and Allied Health. Stanbridge is based in Irvine, California with an annual enrollment of over 1,600 students. For each year from 2009 through 2015, Stanbridge has been named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement. In 2017, Stanbridge University was awarded the 2017 School of the Year Award by California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS) for outstanding educational practices among higher education institutions. In 2016, Stanbridge University was awarded the Gold Award for Excellence in Community Service from CAPPS for offering students quality higher education while simultaneously maintaining efforts to assist the local community. Stanbridge University has been selected as a 2014-2015 School of Excellence by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and also received its 2015 Excellence in Student Services Award for creating a comprehensive student services program that enhances student achievement outcomes. In 2013, Stanbridge University received the ACCSC Community Service Award for outstanding outreach to the local and global community. Institutional Research & Evaluation, Inc., has named Stanbridge University one of America's Best Technical Colleges for each year from 2009 through 2016. For more information, please visit www.stanbridge.edu or call (949) 794-9090.