A Pathway to Zero Falls: Protecting veterans from preventable harm

About Cincinnati VA Medical Center

The Cincinnati VA Medical Center (CVAMC) is dedicated to being a trailblazer in indirect patient care within the VA healthcare system. As a pioneering institution, Cincinnati VA strives to set new standards of excellence in patient safety and quality of care.  

Challenge

Facing staffing challenges, Cincinnati VA found it increasingly difficult to maintain optimal patient safety and prevent falls. They aimed to reduce fall rates while ensuring the overall health of veterans admitted, all without compromising on staff morale. Cultivating staff happiness was a priority, necessitating a redistribution of responsibilities to alleviate workload pressures on caregivers.

Solution

To address these challenges head-on, Cincinnati VA implemented the AvaSure TeleSitter® Solution. This innovative technology enabled continuous patient monitoring, eliminating the need for constant physical presence while ensuring real-time oversight. Cincinnati VA partnered closely with AvaSure’s Customer Success team to infuse best practices into their program, ensuring seamless implementation and ongoing optimization. Leveraging data-driven insights provide by AvaSure’s platform analytics, they continually refined their protocols for maximum effectiveness.

Results

The adoption of the TeleSitter® Solution yielded significant results for Cincinnati VA:

• Fall Prevention: By preventing an estimated 1,028 falls per month (equivalent to 12,345 falls annually), Cincinnati VA greatly enhanced patient safety and reduced fall-related risks. 
• Staff Efficiency: With 5,587 monitoring hours per month (equivalent to 67,042 hours annually), Cincinnati VA saved the equivalent of 32.23 full-time equivalents (FTEs) that would have been dedicated to patient monitoring. This allowed for the redeployment of support staff to various tasks such as virtual station coverage, break coverage, and additional transportation support, optimizing operational efficiency. 
• Improved Staff Satisfaction: By reallocating responsibilities and reducing the need for 1:1 observation, Cincinnati VA effectively lightened the workload burden on both licensed and unlicensed caregivers. This strategic approach not only enhanced staff satisfaction but also boosted overall morale within the healthcare team. 

Cincinnati VA’s partnership with AvaSure and the implementation of the TeleSitter® Solution have revolutionized patient safety and staff satisfaction within their facility. By embracing innovation and prioritizing continuous improvement, Cincinnati VA continues to lead the way in delivering exceptional healthcare to our nation’s veterans.