At Saint Joseph Hospital, patients at risk of falling aren’t alone, even when no one else is in the room. A virtual companion helps them stay safe.
While hospitalized, some patients with a high fall score — an indicator of vulnerability to falling — or who are prone to confusion share their room with a virtual companion. Provided by a virtual care company, the virtual companion is a tall, wheeled device equipped with a camera and microphone. Attendants at a central monitoring hub in Phoenix, Arizona, observe patients 24/7 to ensure they don’t get into potentially dangerous situations.
“Imagine an invisible safety perimeter around a patient’s bed,” said Cathy Lowe, DNP, MBA, RN, CEN, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Saint Joseph Hospital. “If, for example, the virtual attendant sees the patient place their foot outside the perimeter, they can remind the patient through the virtual companion to put their leg back in bed.”
If a patient doesn’t follow instructions, the virtual attendant can activate an alarm that prompts hospital staff to visit the room. The unit’s camera is inactive during sensitive times, such as when staff are helping a patient with personal hygiene.
“Our 12 units have helped reduce preventable falls,” Lowe said. “These devices provide another layer of safety for patients.”
At CHI Saint Joseph Health, our mission is to provide high quality, compassionate health care for all who seek it, and we strive for the best, safest care for our patients. Learn more about what we do to keep patients safe.
From bubble wands and Hot Wheels to Barbie dolls and more, ER technician Irina Dulina is bringing comfort to our littlest patients through the Toy Chest project at Saint Joseph Jessamine.
Read More Additional information about Bringing Comfort to Our Littlest Patients
Elizabeth Robards will tell you that her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis may have saved her life. Genetic testing found a gene mutation associated with a higher risk of breast cancer, leading to a mammogram, a biopsy and, eventually, a diagnosis.
Read More Additional information about Patient Credits Genetic Testing for Early Diagnosis of Cancer
In the right place at the right time, off-duty Saint Joseph London nurse Jenni Hughes saved a baby’s life. She didn’t find out until afterward that it was kind of a family affair.
Read More Additional information about Celebrating Our People – Meet Jenni
Fill out the form below to receive monthly health news and information to your inbox.
Spirit of Health magazine's print edition is distributed quarterly and focuses on topics related to our CHI Saint Joseph Health purpose and values.
