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Virtual Nursing in Healthcare: Current Adoption Trends

Introduction

A recent market research survey conducted by AvaSure has shed light on the state of virtual nursing adoption within healthcare institutions. Despite notable progress in acute virtual care, it appears that a majority of providers remain in the initial phases of this transformative technology.

Key Findings

According to the results from the Inpatient Virtual Care Insight Survey, performed between September 19 and October 7, 2024, only a small percentage of hospital leadership has fully integrated virtual care into their standard practices. Specifically, only 10% of hospital leaders and 14% of hospital IT leaders indicated that inpatient virtual care has become a standard element of their care delivery model. Alarmingly, 30% of respondents reported that their facilities still utilize no inpatient virtual care whatsoever.

Despite these figures, there is a growing optimism among hospital leaders. The survey found that 74% believe that inpatient virtual care will be central to their care systems moving forward. This figure marks an increase from 66% in the previous year's survey, signaling a positive shift in perception.

Current Implementation

As of the survey date, 46% of hospital leaders have either initiated pilot programs or fully implemented virtual care solutions for their inpatient services. This figure has evolved from 38% in the prior year, suggesting gradual progress. The survey also highlighted that hospital administrators are particularly interested in three primary applications of virtual care: virtual sitting (39%), patient discharge management (33%), and admission documentation support (32%).

Metrics for Success

When it comes to measuring the impact of virtual care initiatives, hospital leaders value several metrics. The most commonly referenced indicators include patient safety (58%), patient experience (53%), workload burden on staff (48%), and patient outcomes (48%). IT leaders emphasized improving nurse satisfaction and retention as key indicators of success. These insights underscore the multifaceted evaluation of virtual care efficacy, suggesting that hospitals are increasingly prioritizing both patient and staff welfare.

Industry Perspectives

Commenting on the survey findings, Lisbeth Votruba, AvaSure’s Chief Clinical Officer, remarked, "The results highlight the growing interest in virtual care among hospital leaders, as they navigate the ongoing nursing shortage. While most are still at the exploration stage in the five-phase Inpatient Virtual Care Maturity Model, there is a clear drive towards transforming care delivery."

Similarly, Claire Zangerle, CEO of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, reiterated the importance of virtual care in enhancing the quality and accessibility of patient services. She noted that while the technology itself is important, the successful integration of these systems necessitates clear goals and systematic approaches to fully reap the benefits of virtual care.

Next Steps

To further demystify the nuances of virtual nursing, AvaSure is set to host a webinar featuring Votruba and Zangerle. The session will delve into the five-stage inpatient virtual care maturity model and provide insights for hospitals looking to enhance their virtual offerings. Interested participants can register through AvaSure’s platform to gain insightful access to the findings of the full survey report.

Conclusion

As virtual nursing solutions become an increasingly vital part of the healthcare landscape, the evolving findings from AvaSure's survey serve to guide healthcare executives in their decision-making processes. The transition into a fully integrated virtual care model, while still in its infancy for many, promises a hopeful future for healthcare where technology is leveraged to improve both patient and provider experiences.