Teladoc Health launches AI-powered virtual sitter solution to improve patient safety
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Teladoc Health, a global leader in virtual care, recently introduced advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to its Virtual Sitter solution, designed to improve patient safety and address workforce challenges in hospitals and health systems.
The enhanced solution enables a single remote staff member to monitor up to 25% more patients, significantly boosting efficiency while reducing risks associated with patient falls.
Revolutionizing fall prevention in hospitals
Falls in hospitals remain a critical concern, affecting nearly 1 million patients annually, with over 30% of these incidents leading to lasting injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls result in approximately $50 billion in annual medical costs.
Teladoc Health’s AI-driven Virtual Sitter uses motion detection and pose estimation algorithms to visually detect patient movements that may lead to falls, enabling faster intervention by bedside staff to prevent injuries.
“For more than a decade, we’ve pioneered new ways for technology to support human interaction in patient care,” said Andy Puterbaugh, President of Hospitals and Health Systems at Teladoc Health. “New applications of AI are now accelerating our impact, supporting continuous improvement of our fully integrated suite of connected care solutions, including Virtual Sitter.”
Integrated solutions for streamlined care delivery
The Virtual Sitter is part of Teladoc Health’s broader suite of inpatient-connected care solutions, which include virtual nursing, physician consults, and interpretive services. These tools aim to reduce the administrative burden on bedside staff while enhancing both clinician and patient satisfaction.
The latest innovation integrates seamlessly with Teladoc Health’s TV Pro devices and employs edge computing technology for improved system performance and data security. By processing data locally, the solution ensures the protection of sensitive patient information while maintaining high operational efficiency.
Early adoption signals success
The AI-powered Virtual Sitter is now commercially available and has already been adopted by select healthcare clients. This rollout underscores Teladoc Health’s commitment to transforming care delivery through cutting-edge technology that addresses pressing challenges like workforce shortages and rising operational costs.
As hospitals continue to face mounting pressures, Teladoc Health’s advancements offer a timely solution to improve safety outcomes while optimizing resource allocation. With its innovative approach, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connected care for hospitals and health systems worldwide.
