Bringing Ambient Intelligence to Inpatient Care
We’ve all heard of ambient intelligence, although we may know it by names like Alexa or Siri. The use of these electronic tools in health care which listen, observe and respond to the voices and actions of people is revolutionizing the patient experience, as well as how care is delivered.
HM recently began a project to use ambient intelligent cameras and sensors to monitor patient rooms. While scanning the room, these devices can identify potential care issues and alert the appropriate care teams before it escalates.
By first “learning” the visual dynamics of a patient room, like the size and location of a patient bed or chairs, the cameras can tell if a patient attempts to get out of bed on their own, creating a fall risk. The cameras can also determine the presence of clinical and non-clinical staff in the room, as well as the hourly rounding of clinicians.
Last December, Walter Tower 17 and 18 became the first units at HM to install the new cameras in patient rooms. Camera usage will soon expand to include Main 8 SE and NW, and then Dunn 4 West; West 8, 9 and 10; and Walter Tower 19 and 20.
Goals of the project include:
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Reduce time and resources for manual processes related to measuring and auditing quality metrics.
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Provide data points that may improve real-time patient interventions, safety and satisfaction.
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Reduce falls and pressure injuries.
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Improve HCAHPS scores.
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Reduce alarm fatigue.
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Provide better accountability of patient care activities.
