In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the quest for innovation never ceases. While strides have been made in leveraging AI for backend processes, there’s a growing appetite among healthcare teams for AI solutions that directly impact clinical workflows and elevate patient outcomes. Enter AI-enhanced telehealth—an exciting frontier where cutting-edge technology meets compassionate care.

Picture this: A hospital equipped with state-of-the-art telehealth services, seamlessly integrating AI capabilities at the point of care. This isn’t just a vision of the future; it’s the reality of modern healthcare.

The evolution of telehealth endpoints has been nothing short of remarkable. From basic audio interactions to immersive video encounters, the quality of cameras and microphones has soared, mirroring the advancement of technology itself. But what sets today’s telehealth apart is the integration of edge computing—a game-changer that brings AI to the forefront of patient care.

Imagine multiple cameras capturing every detail, allowing care teams to engage with patients virtually while simultaneously tapping into powerful AI solutions. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the new standard in telehealth innovation.

And it doesn’t stop there. Emerging sensor technologies are seamlessly woven into telehealth platforms, silently capturing vital clinical data without disrupting the care process. These innovations pave the way for AI-powered services like Augmented Observation and Vitals Trending—tools that not only enhance patient safety but also alleviate the burden on healthcare staff, leading to superior outcomes.

In this era of AI-enhanced telehealth, the bedside becomes a nexus of innovation and empathy—a place where cutting-edge technology and compassionate care converge to transform lives. Welcome to the future of healthcare.

Virtual nurse workflows related to patient education and communication have a measurable impact on patient outcomes and experience.

Reduce Readmissions: Virtual nurses empower patients and in-home caregivers through quality health education, supporting discharge readiness. Armed with accurate information, patients can make better decisions, reducing rehospitalizations and potential Medicare payment reductions.

Shorten Length-of-Stay: Virtual nurses streamline discharge processes, reducing LOS and associated costs, improving bed turnover rates, and enhancing patient satisfaction.

Improve HCAHPS Scores: Providing patients access to virtual nurse support and personalized education enhances patient satisfaction and engagement, positively impacting hospital reputations and reimbursements.

Thorough patient communication and education is vital for improving outcomes and enhancing the overall patient experience. However, delivering it effectively in the hospital setting presents challenges for both care teams and patients, particularly amidst workforce shortages.

The Virtual Nursing Advantage — In today’s telehealth-enabled world, experienced remote nurses play a crucial role in patient education and discharge preparation. They assist with tasks such as accurately collecting home medication lists, providing follow-up care instructions, and reviewing signs and symptoms to watch out for.

Here’s how: Virtual nurses collaborate with care managers to obtain patient discharge lists and connect remotely with patients via telehealth endpoints. Together with the patient, they review medications, post-discharge activities, and follow-up appointments. They can also involve the patient’s family or caregivers in the discharge education session.

For different patient scenarios, virtual nurses provide tailored education, whether it’s dressing change instructions for post-surgical patients, inhaler use for respiratory conditions, or insulin administration for diabetes management. Through teach or talk-back methods, virtual nurses ensure patients understand the information provided.

To build an effective virtual nursing program designed to support patient education, consider the following guidelines:

• Involve virtual nurses early and engage the care team effectively.
• Initiate patient education discussions at the beginning of the admission process to allow time for questions prior to discharge.
• Identify and include caregivers in patient education when possible.
• Implement train-the-trainer programs to standardize patient education and communication practices.
• Ensure language accessibility and utilize interpreter services during virtual calls.
• Use teach-back and show-me methods to confirm patient understanding.
• Incorporate best practices to overcome low health literacy, such as using simple language and limiting information to key points.

To learn more about how Virtual Care is transforming patient education operations, contact us.