Pittsburgh Review

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) is set to implement a new virtual care platform, known as the "Smart Care Facility Platform," across its hospitals by 2026. This initiative, in collaboration with care.ai, aims to enhance patient care and expand AHN's digital nursing program.

The platform is being installed initially at AHN Wexford Hospital and Forbes Hospital. Over the next 18 months, approximately 1,600 inpatient rooms across ten hospitals will be equipped with this technology. Jefferson Hospital and Grove City Hospital are next in line for implementation.

The Smart Care Facility Platform features a secure two-way optical camera, a smart flat-screen monitor, and AI-assisted ambient sensors designed to detect patient distress. These technologies enable remote monitoring of patients by nurses and caregivers, facilitating communication about their stay or discharge instructions while preventing potential health issues.

Stephen Hunter, vice president of Digital Strategies & Innovation for AHN stated: “We're thrilled to leverage this innovative technology to elevate the standard of care at AHN and strengthen our commitment to patient well-being.” He emphasized that the platform allows on-site nurses more time for bedside care as virtual caregivers manage admission and discharge tasks.

A pilot project conducted at Forbes Hospital in 2024 demonstrated that remote nurses handling administrative functions allowed bedside nurses more time with patients. The pilot also resulted in reduced missed lunches for on-site nurses and increased discharges before 11 a.m. Patients can choose whether to participate in virtual encounters; during the pilot phase, only a small number opted out.

Digital caregivers will also conduct regular check-ins or "rounds" on patients and may offer future services like companionship for those needing supervision. Initially focused on two-way communication capabilities, the second phase will activate AI sensors for detecting movements that could lead to falls or other health risks.

Angela Costa, chief nurse executive at AHN noted: “We’ve been encouraged by the results of this pilot — the technology has been well-received by our patients and especially by our nurses.” She highlighted benefits such as reduced burnout among nurses and extended career opportunities through remote work flexibility.

Remote observation will involve around 40 nurses working from home or AHN offices using these platforms. The rollout involves contributions from various Highmark Health team members including enGen professionals Michael Rothrauff, Josh Vogel, Justin Schmidt, Corey Walker along with Randy Geiselhart MSN from Forbes Hospital's telemetry unit among others.

Richard Clarke PhD., chief analytics officer at Highmark Health remarked: “With health systems across the country facing workforce challenges...the care.ai suite of services is in keeping with our Living Health philosophy.”

In August 2024 Stryker Corp., specializing in medical technology acquired care.ai further integrating it into its portfolio focused on surgical implants devices navigation systems among others.