With staffing levels still on the rebound after the pandemic, Owensboro Health has gotten innovated with monitoring patients who require extra attention or are at risk for falls. Owensboro Health Regional Hospital recently implemented the MedSitter virtual care platform and clinical surveillance system.
“MedSitter is a virtual clinical observation solution designed to enhance patient safety and healthcare efficiency. By enabling clinicians to manage and monitor patients effectively, MedSitter alleviates the burden on nursing staff and reduces the reliance on one-to-one, in-person observation,” a release from OH reads. “Implementing MedSitter in healthcare facilities like Owensboro Health Regional Hospital improves operational outcomes and supports a more human-centric healthcare environment, aligning with the pressing need to address challenges like staff burnout and the ongoing nursing shortage.”
OH officials said nursing shortages continue to pose challenges in healthcare facilities nationwide, so platforms such as MedSitter can play a crucial role in alleviating stress on staff while still offering patient care.
The 10 MedSitter carts at OHRH will be monitored by MedSitter staff remotely. They will be able to observe patients, detect early warning signs, and intervene when necessary.
Jacob Kittinger, Owensboro Health Manager of Clinical Support, expects the new system to help fill the need for in-room observers. He said when the OH care team onboards the patient to MedSitter, they share information about the patient’s behaviors and what to look out for.
“The observer’s first action would be redirecting the patient verbally,” Kittinger said. “If they can’t, and they feel like there’s an impending event like the patient is about to fall, they will actually trigger a local alarm. It sets off a blue light and a loud auditory alarm. And if it’s less urgent, they have the mobile number for our nurses, so they can report whatever they find necessary.”
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital has approximately 15 in-person observers, so adding 10 virtual observers nearly doubles their capacity. Plus, officials said, one MedSitter professional can watch up to 10 patients at a time, and they are dedicated specifically to OHRH.
The 10 MedSitter devices can be used anywhere they’re needed in the hospital. The care team can turn on privacy mode when necessary.
