Valley Health System’s smart hospital sets new patient care standards
NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES — Valley Health System‘s $868 million smart hospital is “worth every penny” says its IT chief, and has already set a new standard for patient care with its advanced smart rooms.
The health system is planning to further enhance these facilities by integrating virtual nursing, ambient AI, and remote patient monitoring features in the future, aiming to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
“Everything about this investment is paying off. I’m paying it back with no question,” said Eric Carey, vice president and CIO of Valley Health System. “The ROI is absolutely there.”
Smart room features enhancing patient care and efficiency
The 370-bed, 910,000-square-foot Valley Hospital, which opened in April 2024, features state-of-the-art smart rooms equipped with:
- 75-inch “foot wall” smart TVs
- Temperature and light controls
- On-demand food service
- AI-powered fall prevention systems
- Shade controls on pillow speakers
- iPads for video conferencing
Smart rooms in Valley Health Systems have provided elevated patient care with features that improve patient safety and satisfaction while reducing staffing needs.
Patients experience a significant drop in fall occurrences, ranging between 10 and 30 percent, when AI systems track their movements as part of clinical trials. Both bedside devices and footwall monitors enable patients to operate their room’s controls, including lighting and temperature, while adjusting shades, which enhances their comfort as well as independence.
These innovations also streamline clinical workflows by integrating real-time location systems (RTLS) with the Meditech Expanse electronic health records (EHR) to provide instant updates on patient data and care team information.
On-demand food service further mirrors hotel-style convenience, allowing patients to order meals at any time without staff intervention. These features demonstrate Valley Health’s commitment to leveraging technology for operational efficiency and improved clinical outcomes.
Future plans to integrate for better care
Valley Health System is planning to expand its smart room capabilities by integrating virtual nursing, ambient AI, and remote patient monitoring in the future. These technologies aim to elevate patient care while addressing workforce challenges.
Seamless implementation of such advancements exists through infrastructure design at the hospital, which includes spare cabling for economical upgrade possibilities.
Eric Carey, Valley Health’s CIO, emphasized the importance of adaptability: “Building the infrastructure, although somewhat boring to people, is critical to be able to act quickly and save money you can spend on new technology.”
This forward-thinking approach positions Valley Health System as a leader in innovative healthcare delivery.
