Topic: Technology

AvaSure Previews Bedside AI Virtual Care Assistant, Accelerated by Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and NVIDIA

Posted on March 4, 2025 by - Uncategorized

BELMONT, Mich., March 4th, 2025 – AvaSure, a market leader in acute virtual care, is proud to announce the launch of its new Virtual Care AssistantTM. Developed leveraging advanced technology from Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and NVIDIA, this innovative solution is designed to improve patient care, streamline clinical workflows, and enhance operational efficiency within hospitals and healthcare systems.

The Virtual Care Assistant, powered by AI, is a transformative tool designed to bridge gaps in communication, prioritize urgent patient needs, and support healthcare teams in delivering timely, high-quality care. This innovation leverages the power of AvaSure’s Intelligent Virtual Care Platform, OCI’s AI infrastructure offerings—including OCI Compute—and NVIDIA full-stack hardware and  software tools, including NVIDIA Riva and NVIDIA ACE, as part of the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform.

Transforming Patient Care and Clinical Workflows
Hospitals and healthcare systems are under constant pressure to balance patient care with operational demands. Patients often struggle to get timely responses to their needs and clinical staff face overwhelming workloads. The AvaSure Virtual Care Assistant addresses these challenges by enabling patients to directly request assistance virtually, while on the back end helping healthcare providers quickly assess and prioritize those clinical and operational needs.

The AvaSure Virtual Care AssistantTM appears to the patient as an avatar named “Vicky,” but is also an intelligent, AI-driven tool that efficiently triages that patient’s question, need or request based on urgency and importance. Requests are categorized into clinical and operational groups, and the assistant ensures they are directed to the appropriate personnel or team. For example, a patient reporting chest pain is flagged as urgent and immediately routed to the on-floor clinical team, while a request to adjust room temperature is categorized as operational and directed to the maintenance team. All requests are centralized into a dashboard that is centrally managed, allowing hospitals to allocate resources effectively and respond to patient needs promptly.

Driving Breakthrough Innovation with Industry Leaders
“The future of healthcare demands smart, responsive solutions that not only assist clinicians but also improve the patient experience,” said Adam McMullin, CEO of AvaSure. The AvaSure Virtual Care Assistant is our response to the growing needs of hospitals and healthcare teams—enabling a more efficient, organized, and compassionate care environment. By combining the power of AvaSure’s Virtual Care Platform with OCI and the NVIDIA accelerated computing platform, we are delivering a transformative tool that not only empowers healthcare providers to tackle today’s challenges but also sets a new standard for the future of care delivery.”

“We’re committed to helping AvaSure and other organizations improve patient care with AI and cloud infrastructure,” said Mahesh Thiagarajan, executive vice president, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. “With OCI AI infrastructure, AvaSure will be able to speed up clinical workflows while leveraging OCI’s full-stack protection that is secure by design to accelerate innovation in care delivery.”

“AI is transforming healthcare by enabling smarter workflows that enhance both staff and patient experiences,” said Brad Genereaux, global lead for healthcare alliances at NVIDIA. “With NVIDIA technologies—ACE, Riva, and generative AI—integrated into AvaSure’s Virtual Care Assistant, we empower clinicians with real-time support, allowing them to focus on patient care. This represents a crucial step toward AI-driven virtual care that improves outcomes and enhances the experiences of healthcare providers.”

“We’ve spent countless hours listening to and observing patients, caregivers, and clinical staff to truly understand their unique needs,” said Brad Smith, Principal Product Manager of AI Strategy at AvaSure. “This deep collaboration has allowed us to build a virtual assistant that goes beyond simply responding to requests—it provides critical decision support, helping prioritize what matters most. By leveraging the power of AI, we are enhancing clinical workflows and improving patient care, creating a more supportive and efficient healthcare environment for all.”

The AvaSure Virtual Care Assistant is anticipated to be commercially available in late 2025 and is currently accessible to select development partners, providing hospitals and health systems with a powerful tool to transform patient care.

For more information, visit AvaSure at HIMSS booth 4672 to meet Vicky, the Virtual Care Assistant.

About AvaSure
AvaSure® is an intelligent virtual care platform that healthcare providers use to engage with patients, optimize staffing, and seamlessly blend remote and in-person care at scale. The platform deploys AI-powered virtual sitting and virtual nursing solutions, meets the highest enterprise IT standards, and drives measurable outcomes with support from care experts. AvaSure consistently delivers a 6x ROI and has been recognized by KLAS Research as the #1 solution for reducing the cost of care. With a team of 15% nurses, AvaSure is a trusted partner of 1,100+ hospitals with experience in over 5,000 deployments.

AvaSure Media Contact:
Rachel Ford Hutman
301-801-5540 
Rachel@fordhutmanmedia.com

Nurses at the Table: How to Lead, Govern, and Influence Healthcare

Posted on January 15, 2025 by - Featured

webinar Nurses at the Table: How to Lead, Govern, and Influence Healthcare

Nurses play a foundational role in advancing the health of society, yet their voices are often underrepresented in governance, technology, and policy decision-making. This webinar highlights why having nurses “at the table” is essential for shaping a healthcare landscape that prioritizes equity, innovation, and meaningful outcomes.

Join Dr. Sharon Pappas, CNE of Emory Healthcare and author of Insights on Excellence; A Guide to the Commission on Magnet as it Considers the Future, and Dr. Cole Edmonson, CEO of Nurses on Boards Coalition, as they share actionable strategies and recommendations. Together, they will explore how leadership, innovation, and influence are redefining nursing’s role in healthcare and society.

Panelists: 

  • Sharon Pappas, RN, PhD, NEA-BC, FAAN, CNE, Emory Healthcare
  • Cole Edmonson, DNP, RN, FAAN, CEO, Nurses on Boards Coalition 
  • Lisbeth Votruba, MSN, RN, CAVRN, FAONL, Chief Clinical Officer, AvaSure 

Top 5 Ways IT and Clinical Leaders Can Collaborate on Virtual Care Programs

Posted on December 17, 2024 by - Featured, Uncategorized

illustration of AI in virtual monitoring

These were some takeaways from our most popular session at Symposium 2024! The live session highlighted Regina Foley, EVP and Chief Nurse Executive at Hackensack Meridian Health, and Dr. Nick Patel, CEO of Stealth Consulting, highlighting how clinical & IT teams can partner together.

Virtual care is rapidly changing the healthcare landscape, offering innovative solutions to age-old challenges. But successful implementation requires a strong partnership between IT and clinical leaders.

Two healthcare leaders who exemplify the gold standard of this partnership are Regina Foley, EVP and Chief Nurse Executive at Hackensack Meridian Health, and Dr. Nick Patel, CEO of Stealth Consulting.

Here are five of their recommended best practices for seamless collaboration:

1. Start with the Clinical Need, Not the Technology:
  • Define the problem: What are you trying to solve? Is it nurse burnout, patient satisfaction, or access to care?
  • Focus on solutions: How can virtual care programs improve workflows, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance patient care?
  • Avoid the “shiny object” syndrome: Don’t get distracted by the latest gadgets. Choose technology that truly addresses your needs.
2. Foster a Culture of Collaboration and Trust:
  • Leave egos at the door: Encourage open communication and mutual respect between IT and clinical teams.
  • Build a shared virtual care vision: Ensure both teams understand the goals and are working towards the same outcomes.
  • Break down silos: Promote cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
3. Conduct Thorough Due Diligence:
  • Assess existing resources: What technology and infrastructure do you already have?
  • Evaluate potential solutions: Carefully consider the capabilities, costs, and integration requirements of new technologies.
  • Involve clinicians in the process: Ensure their input is valued and incorporated into decision-making for implementation of virtual care programs.
4. Prioritize Training and Education:
  • Provide comprehensive training: Ensure both IT and clinical staff are comfortable using and supporting new technologies.
  • Offer ongoing support: Address questions, concerns, and challenges that arise during implementation.
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning: Encourage both teams to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in virtual care.
5. Embrace AI Cautiously and Strategically:
  • Focus on data quality: Ensure your data is accurate, complete, and unbiased before implementing AI solutions.
  • Start with specific use cases: Prioritize areas where AI can have the greatest impact, such as clinical documentation and decision support.
  • Involve clinicians in AI development: Ensure their expertise is incorporated into the design and implementation of AI algorithms.

Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to learn from others! Network with colleagues, attend conferences, and share best practices to accelerate your virtual care program.

By following these guidelines, IT and clinical leaders can forge a powerful partnership that drives innovation, improves patient outcomes, and transforms the future of healthcare.

Interested in more content like this? Save the date for AvaSure Symposium 2025! Registration isn’t open yet, but stay tuned & take a look at our 2024 recap video from attendees.

American Telemedicine Association Launches Center Of Digital Excellence (Code) To Accelerate Digital Integration In Care Delivery

Posted on December 12, 2024 by - Uncategorized

As a founding sponsor of CODE, AvaSure is excited to collaborate with the American Telemedicine Association and leading health systems to accelerate virtual care innovation. We are bringing our expertise to advance solutions that ensure patient safety, engagement, and equitable access to care.

Read the full article on americantelemed.org

From Classroom to Care: Educating Nurses for the Age of AI and Virtual Care 

Posted on December 11, 2024 by - Popular

From Classroom to Care: Webinar: Educating Nurses for the Age of AI and Virtual Care

Dive into how the next generation of nurses can be prepared for a healthcare landscape increasingly shaped by virtual care and AI. This session explores how technologies are being integrated into nursing education and early career development, addressing the challenges of bridging the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice. Our expert panel discusses how to foster a tech-savvy, adaptable nursing workforce equipped to meet the demands of today’s patient care. 

Highlights of this webinar include: 

  • Insights into how virtual care and AI are transforming nursing curriculums. 
  • Best practices for supporting new nurses through the transition from education to practice. 
  • Leadership strategies for building resilience and innovation in nursing teams. 

Hear from leaders at the forefront of nursing education and clinical practice, including perspectives on developing future nursing leaders and leveraging evidence-based approaches to shape the future of healthcare. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and help shape a forward-thinking nursing workforce ready for an era of rapid technological advancement. 

Panelists: 

  • Karen Cox, PhD, RN, FACHE, FAAN, President, Chamberlain University 
  • Karen Henson, MSN, RN, Corporate VP of Nursing Operations, Community Health Systems 
  • Cole Edmonson, DNP, RN, FAAN, CEO, Nurses on Boards Coalition 
  • Lisbeth Votruba, MSN, RN, CAVRN, FAONL, Chief Clinical Officer, AvaSure 

VA Hospital Fall Prevention: A Pathway to Zero Falls 

Posted on December 4, 2024 by - Featured, Uncategorized

VA Fall Prevention

Last updated: July 6, 2026

Falls among VA hospitalized veterans are a serious concern and can lead to injuries and increased healthcare costs, often requiring additional treatment and prolonged hospital stays. A recent 8-hospital analysis of over 10,000 patients falls cited by JAMA showed that a fall with any injury is associated with a cost increase of $36,776 and doubles the length of stay. 

 In VA hospitals, where veterans often have more chronic conditions that contribute to a greater falls risk, prevention is critical. Staffing shortages, particularly among Patient Care Technicians and Certified Nursing Assistants, have exacerbated veteran safety concerns, with veteran falls rising 253% from 2020 to 2022.1 In response, the Veterans Health Administration introduced the SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act in 2024, creating an Office of Falls Prevention.  

How VA Hospitals are Solving Fall Prevention with Virtual Sitting

Facing labor shortages and escalating costs, VA hospitals across the country have turned to virtual sitting, a replacement for traditional one-to-one sitting. Virtual sitting reduces the need for 1:1 sitting by 75% or more, freeing up clinician’s time and headspace for other valuable work.  

With AvaSure’s virtual care platform for virtual sitting, a Virtual Safety Attendant (VSA) can oversee up to 16 veterans at once, using an intelligent, AI-enabled platform to identify veterans at risk of a fall and verbally redirect them back to safety. If necessary, the VSA can issue a stat alarm, a loud, in-room alarm that draws nearby caregivers to the room in an emergency with an average response time of 20 seconds2. Freeing up CNAs and nurses from one-to-one sitting allows them to move back to the bedside for more direct care activities. 

An important aspect of virtual sitting is assessing veterans individually to determine whether virtual sitting will meet their needs. Conditions typically monitored by virtual sitters include general safety concerns, such as high fall risk, drug or alcohol withdrawal, confusion, agitation, and elopement risk, and failure to follow safety instructions, such as leaving the unit without notifying staff. 

Success Stories in Virtual Sitting Implementation for VA Fall Prevention 

AvaSure’s virtual care platform is implemented in 49 VA hospitals across the country. For more success stories, check out the whitepaper on VA Fall Prevention. 

Fayetteville VA Hospitals 

Fayetteville VA hospitals were recently recognized with the 2024 VA Excellence Award when their virtual care program soared to 80% utilization in just six months, highlighting their strong leadership, organization, and commitment to success. Their journey serves as an inspiring model for other VA facilities, proving that with the right strategies and dedication, significant progress can be achieved in a short time. 

VA North Texas 

Facing labor shortages and escalating costs, VA North Texas implemented a virtual sitting program. At the heart of the program is a centralized monitoring hub, allowing 4 virtual safety attendants to oversee a total of 48 veterans to reduce falls.  

Since implementing the program, VA North Texas freed up bedside care teams for direct veteran care and decreased 1:1 sitter usage, saving the program an average of 83 full-time equivalents per month – an annual savings of $3.4 million. The efficiency gains are substantial, with costs per virtual sitting hour reduced to $3.05 compared to $26 for one-to-one sitters. VA fall rates plummeted by nearly 20%, well below national averages. Learn more about VA North Texas Program 

For health systems, one-to-one sitters represent a costly drain on resources that do little to improve veteran safety. With virtual sitting, health systems such as VA’s have prioritized fall prevention and created better veteran outcomes while delivering staff cost savings that can be invested back into direct bedside care. 

AvaSure’s Intelligent Virtual Care Platform is deployed in 49 VA hospitals across the country, helping make significant strides in VA fall prevention and veteran safety. By leveraging technology and data-driven insights, these hospitals are creating a safer environment for veterans and their caregivers.  

Interested in reading more? Download the whitepaper to learn:  

  • How to reduce falls by nearly 20% 
  • Ways to improve staff efficiency & satisfaction 
  • The top 4 adverse events prevented in VAs 
  • More success stories from VA Hospitals 

References

1 Sentinel Event Data Summary | The Joint Commission. (n.d.). www.jointcommission.org. https://www.jointcommission.org/ resources/sentinel-event/sentinel-event-data-summary/
2 Analytics – AvaSure. (2024, April 8). AvaSure. https://avasure.com/analytics/

Virtual Care Insights: Where Hospitals Stand and How to Scale with Impact

Posted on November 18, 2024 by - Popular

Virtual Care Insights Promo Image

Virtual care remains a top priority for hospital leaders, yet realizing its full potential requires strategic adoption and maturity. While 74% of leaders see it as essential, only 11% report widespread adoption. In this webinar, we’ll share a prescriptive path to achieving impactful virtual care implementation.

Join us as we dive into recent survey results that reveal the industry’s progress in virtual care adoption. We’ll explore where hospitals currently stand, the challenges they face, and the steps needed to move forward. Understanding both our progress and the road ahead will be crucial for any organization aiming to scale virtual care programs effectively and drive meaningful transformation.

Watch on-demand to learn about: 

  1. Assessing Industry Progress: Gain a clear understanding of where the healthcare industry stands with virtual care adoption, based on the latest survey data. Learn about the common barriers that hospitals encounter and what successful organizations are doing to overcome them.
  2. Pathways to Transformation: Discover the critical steps required to advance along the virtual care maturity model. Understand how to leverage insights from the survey to guide your organization’s strategy for scaling virtual care and achieving sustainable change.

Presenters:

  • Claire Zangerle, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, FAAN, CEO of American Organization for Nursing Leadership and CNE of American Hospital Association
  • Lisbeth Votruba, MSN, RN, CAVRN, FAONL, Chief Clinical Officer, AvaSure 

What’s New with AvaSure? Enhancements to our Intelligent Virtual Care Platform

Posted on November 12, 2024 by - Featured

What's New with AvaSure Webinar

Learn how your virtual care workflows are improving in the latest edition of our What’s New With AvaSure series!

Learn about the enhancements we’ve made to ensure you’re getting the most out of your platform.  Not a current customer? Learn more about our existing platform.

During this webinar, you’ll hear about a number of exciting upgrades, including:

  • More AI enhancements to support analytics and our intelligence dashboard
  • Expanded Virtual Nursing capabilities, including broader integrations, multitasking features, virtual backgrounds and more
  • Platform upgrades, including device optimization, responsive services capabilities and security upgrades

Revolutionizing Nurse Well-Being: How Video Monitoring Reduces Burnout Over In-Person Sitters

Posted on October 9, 2024 by - Featured

Webinar graphic, nurse well-being

Safety and efficiency are paramount in healthcare, but what about the well-being of the nurses on the frontlines? This eye-opening session dives into new research comparing video monitoring technology with traditional in-person sitters. Earn nursing contact hours and discover how video monitoring enhances safety and reduces emotional exhaustion and nurse burnout – particularly for those who may be less engaged. Hear directly from the researchers as they unpack the data and explore how healthcare facilities can prioritize nurse well-being while maintaining top-tier patient care. 

Speakers:

  • Don Kluemper, PhD, Professor of Management, Texas Tech University
  • Emily Anderson, MSN, RN, PCCP, Clinical Nurse Manager, Providence Alaska Medical Center