Hospitals are tasked with ensuring patient safety, which includes monitoring for unusual behavior and potential hazards. However, staffing shortages and financial limitations have made constant in-person supervision challenging. As a solution, many healthcare organizations have turned to virtual patient-sitting programs. This program uses remote monitoring systems to protect patients and enhance communication among care teams.
According to Jonathan Witenko, the system director for virtual health and telemedicine at Lee Health in southwest Florida, adopting virtual patient observation was primarily driven by safety concerns, rather than solely financial considerations. He explained that the high cost of bedside monitoring and the difficulty of finding qualified staff made it impractical. Witenko emphasized that technology provides a scalable solution for ensuring patient safety.
The Cost of Traditional Patient-Sitting
Staffing costs
Traditional patient-sitting often requires a dedicated staff member to be present at the patient's bedside at all times. This can lead to significant staffing costs, including wages, benefits, and overtime pay. In some cases, healthcare facilities may need to hire additional staff to cover shifts or fill vacancies, further increasing expenses.
Concerning this, the U.S. healthcare industry faces a severe shortage of workers across various levels, a crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of November 20, 2023, approximately 102 million people live in a primary care Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), and 77 million people live in a dental health HPSA. The U.S. healthcare industry is experiencing a severe shortage of workers at every level, a crisis worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Hospital Association estimates that by 2033, the industry will face a shortage of up to 124,000 physicians. Meanwhile, it will need to hire at least 200,000 nurses annually to meet rising demands. These shortages impact patient care, access, and overall system efficiency.
Facility cost
Meanwhile, traditional patient-sitting can also have a direct impact on facility costs, due to the following factors:
Dedicated space: Hospitals may need to allocate a private room or a designated area within a shared room for the patient-sitter. This can reduce the number of available beds or patient rooms, impacting revenue potential.
Equipment: While traditional patient-sitting may not require specialized equipment, it can still incur costs related to furniture, bedding, and other amenities for the patient-sitter's comfort.
Overhead costs: The presence of a patient-sitter can contribute to increased overhead costs, such as utilities, maintenance, and cleaning services.
These additional facility costs can add up over time, impacting the overall financial viability of healthcare organizations that rely heavily on traditional patient-sitting.
Potential for errors or missed incidents
Human error is an inherent risk in any healthcare setting. Traditional patient-sitting, which relies on the vigilance of a single individual, can increase the potential for errors or missed incidents. For example, a staff member may become distracted or fatigued, leading to a lapse in attention and an increased risk of patient harm.
The Benefits of Virtual Patient-Sitting Programs
Virtual patient-sitting programs can significantly reduce staffing costs by eliminating the need for dedicated in-person patient-sitters. This can free up valuable resources that can be allocated to other critical areas of care.
By providing real-time monitoring and alerts, virtual patient-sitting programs can help prevent falls, accidents, and other adverse events. This can lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced hospital stays.
Virtual patient-sitting programs can enhance patient satisfaction by providing a sense of security and reassurance. Patients may feel more comfortable and less isolated knowing that they are being monitored and supported remotely.
It can also improve operational efficiency by streamlining workflows and reducing administrative burdens. This can free up staff time to focus on other important tasks, such as providing direct patient care.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Virtual Patient-Sitting Programs
While virtual patient-sitting programs require an initial investment in technology, such as cameras, sensors, and software, these costs can be offset by long-term savings.
Compared to traditional patient-sitting, virtual patient-sitting programs often have lower ongoing operational costs. This includes reduced staffing expenses, decreased facility costs, and lower maintenance requirements.
Likewise, virtual patient-sitting programs can offer a significant return on investment (ROI) due to the following factors:
Reduced hospital stays: By preventing falls and accidents, virtual patient-sitting programs can reduce hospital stays, leading to cost savings.
Improved patient outcomes: Enhanced patient safety and outcomes can result in lower healthcare costs over time.
Increased efficiency: The improved operational efficiency of virtual patient-sitting programs can lead to cost savings and increased revenue.
Virtual patient-sitting programs can also lead to significant cost savings by:
Reducing staffing expenses: By eliminating the need for dedicated patient-sitters, healthcare organizations can save on wages, benefits, and overtime.
Decreasing facility costs: Virtual patient-sitting programs can reduce the need for additional space and equipment, leading to lower facility costs.
Improving patient outcomes: By preventing adverse events and reducing hospital stays, virtual patient-sitting programs can lead to substantial cost savings.
Increasing operational efficiency: Improved efficiency can result in cost savings and increased revenue.
Enhancing Patient Care with Virtual Patient-Sitting Programs
At QuickTeam, we are committed to enhancing patient care through innovative technology solutions. Our virtual patient-sitting programs offer a cutting-edge approach to monitoring and supporting patients, providing a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional in-person supervision.
By partnering with us, you can leverage the power of technology to reduce the risk of falls and accidents, improve patient satisfaction, reduce staffing costs, streamline workflows, and achieve long-term financial sustainability. Our virtual patient-sitting programs feature advanced monitoring technology, a dedicated care team, personalized care plans, and seamless integration with existing healthcare systems.
Ready to partner with us to revolutionize patient care? Schedule a FREE Consultation with us today to explore how our virtual patient-sitting programs can benefit your healthcare organization. Together, we can create a safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective future for healthcare.
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