VirtuAlly helps mitigate patient risk AND workforce gaps
With a 24/7 remote command center of trained technicians monitoring high-risk patients through leading edge technology, VirtuAlly can help hospitals reduce patient harm and make better use of staff currently assigned as 1:1 patient sitters. The company is an endorsed partner of Solvent Networks, the business solutions division of SCHA.
The VirtuAlly system provides two-way audio-visual communications stations (fixed or mobile) and a dedicated team that is always watching and listening, improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital staffing costs. The remote team facilitates constant communication to alert on-site staff about patient behaviors that may lead to falls, self-harm or other dangers.
The company officially launched in 2021 after a series of successful pilot projects started in 2016. It was born out of one of the world’s leading telehealth academic institutions and has been recognized as a National Telehealth Center of Excellence.
In case studies, the system has been shown to:
- Save about $150,000 in staffing costs for a 24-bed unit
- Reduce patient falls by 50% – 70%
- Decrease length-of-staff and readmissions by 10%,
- And improve employee morale by 15%.
“The three main categories of patient categories this system is recommended for are fall risks, altered mental state, and suicidal ideation below high risk,” said Joseph Wechsler, chief executive officer. “We have developed an algorithm that helps us make evidence-based recommendations about how to deploy the technology, but we work with each hospital to meet their unique needs.”
The command center is staff by nursing and medical students or full-time technicians who receive training developed by nursing educators. They provide reliable eyes and ears on patients, which frees clinical and security staff to handle duties that better utilize their skills and are more fulfilling.
For more information, or to set up a meeting or demo, contact Solvent Networks or CEO Joseph Wechsler directly at jwechsler@virtually.io or 513.461.1917.
As a division of the South Carolina Hospital Association, we understand the hospital business. Our ready-to-deploy solutions for your workforce, financial, operational and compliance needs can save money on your bottom line – or generate revenue that you can re-invest in improving healthcare for the people of South Carolina. For more information, visit Solvent Networks, follow us on Linked In or watch HERE. Access your network today.