Covenant Health Plainview in Texas implemented a two-way audio and video device that allows clinicians to continually monitor patients who require more constant watch, according to My Plainview.
The device, called Tele Sitter, can be added to rooms of patients who may be high-risk for a fall or patients who may exhibit impulsive behavior.
"This would include patients with dementia, patients still slightly sedated from surgery, patients who are pulling or removing tubes, drains or IV lines, patients who have an unstable gait and might fall, those undergoing drug and alcohol withdrawal or anyone unable to reach the call light," said Rachel Prutzman, the hospital's acute care nursing manager, according to the publication.
Certified nursing assistants monitor patients with Tele Sitter by watching a live video feed from the health system's central hub at Covenant Health Lubbock (Texas) hospital. The CNAs monitor patients 24/7, excluding when the device enters privacy mode, which occurs when a clinician is providing care, the patient is dressing, bathing or using the toilet, according to the report.
In the event a patient does require help, the CNA monitors immediately contact an onsite caregiver through the hospital's new alert communication system, which all nurses wear.
The Tele Sitter device will not replace the hospital's hourly rounding or use of bed and chair alarms, Ms. Prutzman said.