Adviser Fall 2017 Dec. | Page 37

“The goal in securing EasySense technology is to enhance quality of care by better patient monitoring so that early intervention can take place. Early detection of patient deterioration in clinical care units is a top priority for all health care institutions, including skilled nursing facilities like Parker,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker’s president & CEO. He explained that continuous monitoring is key in recognizing and quickly responding to early warning signs, which should enhance quality of care, plus reduce length of stay and costs. “Our ultimate objective is to reduce our hospital re-admissions,” Rosenblut added. Since Parker implemented this project in September, early feedbacks from clinical staff indicate the technology is resulting in increased nursing assessments and intervention with the clinical teams. “Overall, it’s like a pair of extra eyes and ears for our staff,” said Colleen Ariola, Parker’s vice president of patient care services. “EarlySense is driving care to the bedside, enabling nurses and physicians to check-in on, and assess residents as alerted. The system even requires clinicians to turn off alarms only at the bedside while with patients; this is the opportunity they need to look for changes in the patient’s condition. The system also facilitated a reduction in noisy bed alarms, which can annoy patients, adding quality of life to their day,” she added. Ariola said the system is also helping nurses be more clinically effective, enabling Parker to provide the best care to their population of fragile, older adults. EarlySense also limits staff alarm fatigue, since it results in a lower alarm rate when compared with other systems. Continuous monitoring and accurate alarms helps staff prioritize their workload and manage time better, to provide appropriate patient care when needed. The end result is a reduction in pressure on staff and better staff retention. Parker Jewish Institute is a leading provider of short term rehabilitation and long term care. At the forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and new technology, the Institute is also a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features round-the-clock clinical teams and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Social Adult Day Care, Home Health Care and a Hospice Program. Nursing manager at Parker Jewish Institute examines functions of EarlySense central display screen. leadingageny.org 36