Background. Isolation is needed for the safe care of patients with potentially highly contagious and virulent infectious agents (eg Ebola, MERS-CoV). We hypothesized that telemedicine could be a unique tool to improve team safety and enhance patient care for individuals with these conditions. Isolation Communication Management System (iSOCOMS) was developed to: reducing staff exposure when communicating with patient; facilitating student involvement without potential exposure; improved monitoring of patient and staff; patient support through family contact, chaplaincy, and family unencumbered by PPE; and monitoring patient movement into the unit.

Methods. iSOCOMS uses secure, standards-based Cisco Infrastructure to allow for the integration of fixed end-points, desktop video-conferencing, mobile telehealth and on-line telehealth education through Star Telehealth.

Results. iSOCOMS has been tested for the care of 3 PUI with over 194 hours of continuous use.