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Revolutionizing Healthcare: University Hospitals Introduces Video-Driven Virtual Nursing

In a major advancement for the healthcare industry, University Hospitals, based in Cleveland, Ohio, has officially launched its Connected Care Team initiative at UH Lake West Medical Center. This pioneering program positions UH as one of the first hospitals in the United States to implement a full-scale virtual nursing program, highlighting the commitment to enhancing patient care while alleviating pressure on nursing staff.

The Connected Care Team Initiative

The innovative initiative leverages Vitalchat’s AI-driven audio and video platform to extend the reach of nurses beyond traditional walls. By utilizing high-definition video communication and secure channels, the virtual nursing team collaborates with onsite care providers in real time. Their role encompasses supporting bedside nurses during crucial workflows such as admissions, discharges, patient education, and urgent interventions.

By fostering effective communication and collaboration between virtual and bedside teams, UH enables its nurses to dedicate more time to direct patient care, improving the quality of interactions and allowing clinicians to establish deeper connections with their patients.

Phase 1 Success

Initially, the program's first phase successfully incorporated one remote nurse per unit from a centralized command center. Results from this early implementation were promising, demonstrating:

• - Elevated patient experience and caregiver engagement scores compared to similar units.
• - Enhanced efficiency in managing critical tasks such as postoperative monitoring and preventive measures against falls.
• - Three clinical studies, including an FDA-backed analysis of AI applications for fall risk detection.

Brian Nelson, Program Lead for the Veale Healthcare Transformation Institute, emphasized the importance of these early successes: "The achievements of Phase 1 validated our ambitions, allowing us to expand the initiative to a hospital-wide scale. Our aim is to ensure all patients, in every room, receive quality care while easing the workload of our caregivers.”

Expansion of Services

As part of the launch at UH Lake West, every inpatient unit is now equipped with virtual nursing support, marking a significant step forward for the healthcare system. Future phases are slated to pilot 24/7 virtual nursing operations, introduce virtual patient observation, and explore applications for emergency rooms and operating rooms.

“We are committed to redefining nursing care,” stated Peter J. Pronovost, MD, PhD, UH Chief Quality and Clinical Transformation Officer. He further remarked that, “This initiative is a testament to the innovative spirit of the Veale Healthcare Transformation Institute, aiming not only to ease workforce demands but also to improve patient safety and the overall healthcare experience.”

Cultural Impact

The initiative signifies a transformative cultural shift within the hospital. Michelle D. Hereford, UH Chief Nursing Executive praised the approach, stating, “All team members are engaged in shaping the system, often in real-time contexts. It has become evident that innovation breeds enthusiasm and a palpable sense of joy among the care teams.”

The collaboration between University Hospitals and Vitalchat represents a significant advancement in leveraging technology for healthcare improvement. Mike Raymer, CEO of Vitalchat, expressed pride in being part of this revolutionary change: “Our technology demonstrates how intelligent systems can not only support caregivers but also enhance patient outcomes and deliver long-lasting value to health systems.”

About University Hospitals

Founded in 1866, University Hospitals operates over 20 hospitals and 50 outpatient facilities throughout northern Ohio, offering comprehensive services including specialized pediatric and women’s health care. It ranks among the top medical centers in the nation, recognized for its clinical and research programs.

About Vitalchat

Vitalchat is committed to redefining healthcare delivery through advanced technologies that tackle challenges like nursing shortages and care coordination. Their solutions utilize AI to perform real-time analysis of patient data, facilitating proactive interventions and improving clinical efficacy.

Conclusion

The launch of the Connected Care Team at UH Lake West is not just a technological advancement; it symbolizes a new era of caregiving. By integrating virtual nursing into traditional practices, University Hospitals is leading the way in delivering safer, more effective healthcare, setting a national standard for others to aspire to.