A new Remote Patient Monitoring Program system, introduced in five units at The Mount Sinai Hospital as a pilot project in 2015, has expanded throughout the hospital and to Mount Sinai Queens, a unique technological effort to help nursing staff reduce falls among high-risk patients and keep them safe.

From left, Francine Fakih, MA, BSN, RN, with Michele Isaacs and Mario Geritano by the Remote Patient Monitoring device.

“Our entire nursing staff is trained in helping patients and caregivers learn safety measures to prevent falls, but some hospital patients who may try to get out of bed unsupervised remain prone to falling when they are weak, confused, or medicated,” says Francine Fakih, MA, BSN, RN, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, The Mount Sinai Hospital, who oversees the program. “This new tool complements our existing patient-safety programs.” The Remote Patient Monitoring Program is being used in 19 units at The Mount Sinai Hospital and 6 units at Mount Sinai Queens.

The visual monitoring and two-way audio system consists of a camera and speaker that are mounted on a portable cart that is placed in the hospital room. The camera beams real-time video to computer screens that are monitored by trained nursing assistants observing from a secure hospital office. “This technology enhances the ability of our nursing unit teams to use all of their personnel more effectively, while safeguarding our most vulnerable patients,” says David L. Reich, MD, President of The Mount Sinai Hospital and Mount Sinai Queens.

“When a patient is trying to get out of bed, the observer will use the speaker to redirect the individual,” explains Michele Isaacs, Program Coordinator, Surgical/Medical Specialties. Once the audio is activated, the patient and observer can continue talking. The observer can better determine the patient’s need and alert the nursing station to respond. In a real emergency, the observer can set off an alarm that summons immediate help. Staff can also redirect patients they observe trying to pull out their IVs.

The system—which meets all privacy policies and does not require the consent of the patient—does not record video and audio, and allows the observer to listen in only when the monitor is activated. It also has privacy settings, giving staff in the hospital room the ability to turn off the video and audio monitor during a physician visit and other private moments.

Says Mario Geritano, Project Manager, Program Management Office, Information Technology, Mount Sinai Health System, “We are using technology to provide additional support for our clinical team while allowing for a continuous, safe monitoring experience for our patients and families.”