How the North Texas VA Improved Patient Safety and Reduced Costs With Virtual Sitters

About VA North Texas Health Care System

Passionate and dedicated, the virtual sitters at VA North Texas Health Care System transcend their virtual presence, forming genuine bonds with the veterans they care for. Nurse manager Tiffany Villamin shared a poignant anecdote at the 2023 ANCC National Magnet Conference®, illustrating the profound impact of these virtual heroes. When an impending ice storm threatened, these compassionate individuals proactively offered support, ready with sleeping bags in hand, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the veterans and bedside staff.

A Success Story in Virtual Sitting Implementation

VA North Texas Health Care System, comprising 13 facilities and over 700 beds, stands as a beacon of success in virtual sitting adoption. Since embracing this technology, the health system achieved a remarkable 20% reduction in inpatient fall rates and slashed hourly patient sitting costs by nearly 90%.

Addressing Patient Safety Challenges

Facing labor shortages and escalating costs, VA North Texas prioritized patient safety and fall prevention. Recognizing the superiority of virtual sitting over traditional one-to-one sitting, the health system implemented a program leveraging 2-way video and audio capabilities. This centralized monitoring hub, staffed by virtual safety attendants, oversees up to 48 cameras, effectively reducing patient falls.

Results: Lower Costs, Improved Patient Safety

The impact of virtual sitting at VA North Texas is profound. By freeing frontline staff for direct patient care and decreasing 1:1 sitter usage, the program saved an average of 83 full-time equivalents per month, translating to 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. Fall rates plummeted by nearly 20%, well below national averages.

Expanding Impact and Enhancing Care

Looking ahead, VA North Texas plans to extend the program to the Emergency Department and mental health department, further enhancing patient safety and care delivery.

Conclusion

Virtual sitting represents a transformative approach to patient care, yielding cost savings and improved outcomes. VA North Texas Health Care System exemplifies the potential of this technology to revolutionize healthcare delivery, ensuring better patient outcomes and optimized resource utilization.