Innovating Virtual Nursing: University Hospitals' Bold Step Forward
University Hospitals Launches Innovative Virtual Nursing Program
UH Lake West Medical Center’s recent launch positions University Hospitals as a leader in national virtual nursing solutions.
University Hospitals has recently embarked on a revolutionary journey by introducing the Connected Care Team initiative at UH Lake West. This launch is a significant milestone, making them one of the first hospital systems nationwide to implement a comprehensive virtual nursing program across the entire facility. The initiative utilizes Vitalchat’s advanced AI-driven audio and video platform, building upon a successful initial phase that included six units across five hospitals, demonstrating notable benefits for patients and healthcare providers alike.
Benefits of the Connected Care Team
The Connected Care Team expands the capabilities of UH nurses by facilitating secure, high-definition video communication and two-way interaction. This innovative approach allows the virtual nursing team to assist bedside colleagues efficiently with several critical activities, including admissions, discharges, patient education, monitoring, and urgent interventions. The collaborative nature of the program enables virtual nurses to enhance capacity, thus granting bedside clinicians more time to provide focused, hands-on care while fostering meaningful interactions with patients.
Phase 1 Outcomes and Future Plans
During Phase 1, the program successfully staffed one remote nurse per unit from a centralized command center. Preliminary results revealed:
- Improved patient experience and caregiver engagement scores compared to similar units.
- Enhanced support for essential workflows such as admissions, discharges, pain assessments, and falls prevention.
- Conducted three clinical studies, including an FDA-supported trial aimed at using AI for detecting fall risks.
“The success we observed during Phase 1 fueled our decision to expand the program to a full hospital launch,” stated Brian Nelson, MHA, BSN, RN, Program Lead for the Veale Healthcare Transformation Institute at UH. “This initiative transcends technology; it is about providing every patient in each room with high-quality care while relieving the pressure on our caregivers.”
With the implementation at UH Lake West, all inpatient units now benefit from virtual nursing support. The hospital plans to further develop the program by piloting around-the-clock operations, incorporating virtual patient observation, and extending use cases into emergency departments and operating rooms.
Reimagining Nursing and Patient Care
According to Peter J. Pronovost, MD, PhD, Chief Quality & Clinical Transformation Officer at UH, “The Connected Care Team is precisely the kind of bold innovation our Veale Healthcare Transformation Institute was established to promote. By redefining how nurses deliver care, UH demonstrates the possibility of reducing workforce strain while improving safety and elevating the patient experience.”
Leaders within the organization emphasized the cultural transformation occurring as a result of this initiative. “All care team members are sharing ideas and continuously finding ways to enhance the system, often in real-time,” remarked Michelle D. Hereford, MSHA, RN, FACHE, Chief Nursing Executive at UH. “This shift illustrates how innovation can inspire energy and enthusiasm, resulting in a palpable sense of joy among care teams.”
“Vitalchat is honored to collaborate with University Hospitals as they establish a new benchmark in virtual nursing,” commented Mike Raymer, CEO of Vitalchat. “This partnership showcases how intelligent technology can reshape care delivery through supporting caregivers, improving patient outcomes, and generating lasting value for healthcare systems.”
About the Veale Healthcare Transformation Institute
The Veale Healthcare Transformation Institute, a groundbreaking model under UH, aims to transform healthcare organizations into safer and more cost-effective entities. Its diverse team of strategists, designers, clinicians, and technologists closely collaborates with UH Ventures, the Office of Strategy & Innovation, the Office of Clinical Transformation, and the Department of Operational Effectiveness to bring meaningful change to healthcare.
About University Hospitals
Founded in 1866, University Hospitals caters to patient needs through a vast integrated network consisting of over 20 hospitals, more than 50 health centers, outpatient facilities, and over 200 physician offices across 16 counties in northern Ohio. Its flagship facility, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, holds affiliations with notable medical institutions, fostering prestigious clinical and research endeavors. With a workforce of over 30,000 employees, UH remains one of the largest employers in northeastern Ohio, offering an array of clinical and research opportunities. Stay connected with University Hospitals through their social media platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, or visit their official website for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Connected Care Team initiative?
The Connected Care Team is a virtual nursing program launched by University Hospitals to enhance patient care and support bedside clinicians through AI-driven technology.
How does virtual nursing improve patient care?
Virtual nursing allows for immediate support, better patient engagement, and allows bedside staff to focus on direct patient interactions.
What were the outcomes of Phase 1 of the program?
Phase 1 demonstrated higher patient experience scores and more efficient critical workflows compared to similar hospital units.
Who is involved in the Veale Healthcare Transformation Institute?
The institute comprises a team of strategists, designers, clinicians, and technologists dedicated to transforming healthcare systems.
What future plans does University Hospitals have for virtual nursing?
UH plans to expand the program to 24/7 operations, enhance virtual patient observation, and apply the model in emergency and operating room settings.
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