LOCAL NEWS

ICU doctor: ‘There’s no other system like it in the world,’ of pneumonia electronic support tool

Mar 25, 2022, 8:46 PM | Updated: Jun 18, 2022, 8:47 pm

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death for contagious diseases in the United States. Though common, doctors say it can be difficult to diagnose and treat. A cutting-edge tool is saving lives.

Cindy Cook is still recovering from an illness she got in January. Her doctor knew right away it was serious.

“Just by the coloring of my face, he could tell that I was really sick,” said Cook, age 62, who lives in Farmington.

“I could tell that he was moving fast, and he said, ‘You guys have got to get to the ER.'”

Cook was septic and her vital organs were shutting down. Doctors decided her case was serious enough they flew her to Intermountain Medical Center.

In the ICU, Dr. Nathan Dean with Intermountain Healthcare used a clinical decision support tool called ePneumonia to diagnose and treat Cook. He said it’s a game changer in treating pneumonia.

“There’s no other system is like this in the world,” said Dean, who is the Section Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.

The electronic tool gathers a patient’s symptoms and vital signs to assist the doctor in a diagnosis.

“Things like fever, whether the patient has a cough, whether they’re what the white blood count is elevated,” Dean said.

Then, it guides doctors in making better decisions about care. Like whether a patient should be sent to the ICU, admitted to the hospital, or is safe to go home.

Dean says it’s been vital during the pandemic. Pneumonia is the leading cause of death from COVID.

“COVID really has been an epidemic of a viral pneumonia that we had no immunity to,” he said.

A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found ePneumonia reduced deaths by 38% and safely decreased intensive care unit admission.

It also suggests the tool can be useful in smaller community hospitals, as well as the larger urban centers. Cook said it helped save her life.

“I’m forever grateful,” she said.

She’s also thankful for the lessons she’s learned that have nothing to do with medicine.

“I’ve learned that you need to slow down. There’s so many things that are more important.”

And for technology that’s helping her heal.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

8 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

9 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

10 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

11 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

12 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

ICU doctor: ‘There’s no other system like it in the world,’ of pneumonia electronic support tool