VA Loma Linda has implemented a continuous virtual patient monitoring program that will prevent patient falls and other adverse events.
Known as the AvaSys TeleSitter Solution, this virtual patient engagement platform allows one trained video monitor technician to monitor multiple at-risk patients via video from a remote central station and intervene via audio in time to prevent falls and other adverse events.
The system VA Loma implement consists of 10 in-room units, permanent or mobile with pan, tilt, zoom camera, digital two-way audio, infrared light for low-light viewing and Stat alarm.
“Bringing this innovative audiovisual technology to the VA Loma Linda is a significant step forward to help keep reduce injuries related to veterans falling while hospitalized, said Anne Yaktiyol, MSN, Associate Chief of Nursing Service at VA Loma Linda. “Fall prevention is challenging to every hospital nationwide, it’s not just our facility. When Veteran falls, injuries can occur, which increases the healing times, and lastly increase length of stay in the hospital. We now will have an extra set of eyes monitoring patients who have been identified as being at a considerable risk for falling.”
Users have now discovered the potential of AvaSys beyond just falls and it is used to help with clinical resources, nurse fatigue, alarm fatigue, boarding of patients, behavior health patients, illicit drug use, elopement and more.
AvaSys is centered around a clinical program designed and led by nurses. The AvaSys software also includes data reporting capabilities, which includes a real-time dashboard allowing program administrators to log in and see program metrics in real time. The software also has the capability to provide a cloud-based comparative reporting solution called ORNA (Online Reporting of Nursing Analytics).
“The monitoring technician can summon staff to the Veterans room, who can intervene faster and help reduce or even prevent injuries,” added Yaktiyol. “When the two-way audio component is added, the monitoring technician will start a conversation to our veteran, while summoning nursing help to the room. Loma Linda VA Nursing Service is excited to initiate this solution at Loma Linda VA. It is a different approach to patient safety, and every nurse considers this issue a top priority. “