Why Health Systems are Investing in 'Smart Room' Technology
Written by Caroline Hudson, Modern Healthcare
Health systems are betting big money on smart technology to streamline workflow and improve quality of care. Some systems, including Cleveland-based OhioHealth, have already incorporated full smart rooms at some facilities, areas equipped with intelligent technologies and ambient sensors to monitor patient activity and streamline care interactions.
Duane Perry, chief nursing officer at OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital reveals how the system is utilizing the Vibe Health by eVideon platform to power 80+ smart rooms at their new facility, which opened in late 2023.
What is a smart room?
Systems define smart rooms in different ways.
A smart room is often anchored by a large screen, which works as a TV but also a digital whiteboard visible to anyone in the room that provides information about the care team, medications, pain levels, dietary restrictions and other factors. High-definition cameras monitor a patient’s movements and enable video communication. Patients use tablets to watch movies, make requests and find educational materials.
Digital signage outside the door alerts the care team to basic safety-related information, such as whether there is a fall risk or known allergies, before they enter the room. The devices are often integrated with the health system’s electronic health records.
