Jefferson Health rolls out virtual nursing program

Jefferson Health, headquartered in Philadelphia, has introduced an innovative virtual nursing initiative that involves the assignment of both an in-person bedside nurse and a virtual nurse to patients.

This novel program aims to offer select patients the assistance of a remote nurse who will collaborate with their onsite bedside nurse. The virtual nurse's responsibilities encompass patient check-ins, aiding in admission and discharge documentation, providing patient and family education, conducting care consultations, and ensuring electronic health record (EHR) entries.

To foster communication between patients and virtual nurses, an audiovisual device has been installed in hospital rooms. It's important to note that this device adheres to HIPAA regulations, ensuring patient privacy and data security. 

With the triumph of the initial pilot phase, Jefferson is preparing to launch a second pilot of the virtual nursing program, underscoring its commitment to improving patient care through innovative solutions.

Expanding on its forward-looking approach, the hospital has outlined plans to encompass tele-observation and virtual safety care within the program. Additionally, there are intentions to integrate provider-to-provider electronic consultations (e-consults), further enhancing the scope and impact of this initiative.