How Virtual Nursing is Transforming the Med Surge Experience at Emory Healthcare

Virtual nursing is changing the way we approach patient care, especially in medical-surgical units. Many health systems are now adopting this technology, and organizations like Emory Healthcare are leading the way.

Monique Bouvier, the corporate director of nursing science at Emory, recently shared updates on the hospital’s virtual nursing program. She is part of a group that works with various health systems to exchange ideas on virtual care. Emory’s program has evolved significantly since its pilot phase last year. They are now installing virtual care systems in patient rooms, aiming to have 1,000 rooms ready by year-end.

The focus isn’t just on technology; it’s also about improving patient care. Emory tracks various metrics like patient satisfaction and readmission rates to learn what works. For nurses, they measure job satisfaction, retention rates, and workload. Bouvier emphasizes that listening to both nurses and patients is crucial for developing an effective staffing strategy. The aim is to have a unified virtual platform that serves all areas of care.

Financial challenges are a significant hurdle. Bouvier notes that there’s limited research on the benefits of virtual nursing, making it hard to justify budget allocations. “We’re building the ship as we sail,” she says, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding new care models.

Despite these challenges, Bouvier is optimistic about the role of technology in healthcare. With advances in AI, the landscape is changing rapidly. Hospitals must be proactive in adapting to these shifts while ensuring the rollout is safe and ethical.

Looking ahead, Emory plans to extend virtual care beyond inpatient settings. They are piloting a program to ensure seamless transitions from hospital to outpatient care. Early feedback from nurses has been positive. Many who were initially doubtful about virtual nursing now praise its benefits. “Listening to our nurses has made all the difference,” Bouvier remarks.

Virtual nursing promises to enhance how we deliver care, making it more efficient and responsive to patient needs. As the technology matures, it holds the potential to transform healthcare systems entirely, with an increased focus on continuous care across all areas.

For more insights into virtual nursing advancements, you can find valuable information from trusted sources like Emory Healthcare.

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innovation, nurses, nursing, patient experience, technology