Atrium Health Stanly in Albemarle, North Carolina, is launching a virtual nursing program supported by a $1.45 million grant from the Duke Endowment, marking it as the first facility in Advocate Health's system to be fully equipped with high-resolution audio and video technology in every patient room. Designed to enhance patient care and alleviate the workload of bedside nurses, this initiative allows for real-time monitoring and communication without replacing the critical role of in-person nursing. The flexible model has already demonstrated the potential to improve nurse vacancy rates significantly, showcasing its effectiveness in addressing the unique challenges faced by rural hospitals. Additionally, Advocate Health plans to expand its rural residency program at the site, emphasizing a commitment to integrating innovative care delivery with clinical education.

Rural Hospital Transforms Care with $1.45M Virtual Nursing Initiative Beckers Hospital Review

Imprivata's recent report emphasizes the growing role of mobile devices in healthcare, with 92% of healthcare leaders viewing them as essential for care delivery and hospitals saving an average of $1.1 million annually through shared-use strategies. Despite these benefits, the report reveals that 87% of healthcare teams encounter difficulties accessing these devices at the start of their shifts, leading to inefficiencies. Moreover, almost half of the organizations lack formal policies for device management, highlighting significant operational and security challenges that could undermine the potential advantages of mobile technology. The findings suggest a critical need for healthcare professionals to address these issues to enhance workflow efficiency and improve clinician satisfaction.

Healthcare Leaders Embrace Mobile Devices, But Security Challenges Loom globenewswire.com

Prolonged wait times for emergency hospitalization, known as "boarding," have significantly increased in the U.S. since mid-2020, with over 25% of patients waiting more than four hours for a bed during non-peak months, and this figure rising to 35% in winter. A study analyzing 46 million emergency visits across 1,500 hospitals predicts that by 2024, nearly 5% of patients could wait a full day for a bed during peak times, raising concerns about patient safety and overall healthcare efficiency. These prolonged boarding times are worsening emergency department overcrowding, potentially compromising the system's ability to handle new patients and increasing the risk of collapse during future healthcare crises. Moreover, the research indicates regional disparities, with the Northeast particularly affected, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in healthcare management.

Prolonged ER Wait Times Threaten U.S. Healthcare System Stability newswise

Highmark Health has appointed Dr. Alistair Erskine as its new Chief Information Digital Officer to advance its digital health initiatives. Dr. Erskine, recognized for his leadership in digital transformation within healthcare, will focus on enhancing telehealth services, improving electronic health records, and implementing innovative digital solutions. His role reflects a growing industry emphasis on leveraging technology to address rising costs and the demand for personalized care. This strategic appointment underscores the importance of experienced leaders in guiding healthcare organizations through complex digital landscapes.

Highmark Health Appoints Dr. Erskine to Spearhead Digital Transformation Pittsburgh Business Times

Atrium Health Stanly in Albemarle, North Carolina, is launching a virtual nursing program supported by a $1.45 million grant from the Duke Endowment, marking it as the first facility in Advocate Health's system to be fully equipped with high-resolution audio and video technology in every patient room. Designed to enhance patient care and alleviate the workload of bedside nurses, this initiative allows for real-time monitoring and communication without replacing the critical role of in-person nursing. The flexible model has already demonstrated the potential to improve nurse vacancy rates significantly, showcasing its effectiveness in addressing the unique challenges faced by rural hospitals. Additionally, Advocate Health plans to expand its rural residency program at the site, emphasizing a commitment to integrating innovative care delivery with clinical education.

Rural Hospital Transforms Care with $1.45M Virtual Nursing Initiative Beckers Hospital Review

Imprivata's recent report emphasizes the growing role of mobile devices in healthcare, with 92% of healthcare leaders viewing them as essential for care delivery and hospitals saving an average of $1.1 million annually through shared-use strategies. Despite these benefits, the report reveals that 87% of healthcare teams encounter difficulties accessing these devices at the start of their shifts, leading to inefficiencies. Moreover, almost half of the organizations lack formal policies for device management, highlighting significant operational and security challenges that could undermine the potential advantages of mobile technology. The findings suggest a critical need for healthcare professionals to address these issues to enhance workflow efficiency and improve clinician satisfaction.

Healthcare Leaders Embrace Mobile Devices, But Security Challenges Loom globenewswire.com

Prolonged wait times for emergency hospitalization, known as "boarding," have significantly increased in the U.S. since mid-2020, with over 25% of patients waiting more than four hours for a bed during non-peak months, and this figure rising to 35% in winter. A study analyzing 46 million emergency visits across 1,500 hospitals predicts that by 2024, nearly 5% of patients could wait a full day for a bed during peak times, raising concerns about patient safety and overall healthcare efficiency. These prolonged boarding times are worsening emergency department overcrowding, potentially compromising the system's ability to handle new patients and increasing the risk of collapse during future healthcare crises. Moreover, the research indicates regional disparities, with the Northeast particularly affected, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in healthcare management.

Prolonged ER Wait Times Threaten U.S. Healthcare System Stability newswise

Highmark Health has appointed Dr. Alistair Erskine as its new Chief Information Digital Officer to advance its digital health initiatives. Dr. Erskine, recognized for his leadership in digital transformation within healthcare, will focus on enhancing telehealth services, improving electronic health records, and implementing innovative digital solutions. His role reflects a growing industry emphasis on leveraging technology to address rising costs and the demand for personalized care. This strategic appointment underscores the importance of experienced leaders in guiding healthcare organizations through complex digital landscapes.

Highmark Health Appoints Dr. Erskine to Spearhead Digital Transformation Pittsburgh Business Times