OhioHealth uses smart rooms to reduce nurse workload

OhioHealth in Columbus launched Pickerington Methodist Hospital in 2023, which employs smart room technology to reduce nurse workload. Patients use the television, camera and tablet system to find out who is on their care team, ask for the pharmacist or meal trays, contact their care team and connect with family. The team comprises a primary nurse, a patient care aid, the provider and a virtual nurse. The virtual nurse uses the technology to conduct shift reports, admissions and discharges, review the record for missing documentation, and develop care plans and support novice nurses. AONL member and OhioHealth Senior Vice President and CNE Cynthia Latney, MSN, RN, says service and quality scores have increased or remained positive, and staff have expressed satisfaction. (HealthLeaders Media article, 7/15/24)