The Effectiveness of Remote Video Monitoring on Fall Prevention and Nurses' Acceptance
Awatef Ergai, LeeAnna Spiva, Susan Thurman, Marianne Hatfield, Meriel McCollum, Mona Holmes
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The use of remote visual monitoring (RVM) technology as a "telesitter" in hospitals can reduce falls and increase the efficiency of patient observation. PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine RVM effectiveness as a strategy to decrease patient falls and investigate nurses' acceptance and perceived usefulness of RVM technology. METHODS: Remote visual monitoring was implemented within a health system in the Southeastern United States. Falls data 6 months prior to and postimplementation were analyzed, and 106 nurses completed a survey evaluating their acceptance of the RVM technology. RESULTS: There was a significant 39.15% reduction in falls with injury ( P = .006), and 70.6% of the RVM redirections were successful. Nurses' acceptance and perceived usefulness of RVM were moderate. CONCLUSION: Implementing RVM has the potential to enhance patient safety by reducing falls with injuries and is considered acceptable and useful by nurses.