Virtua Health, South Jersey’s largest health system, recently launched virtual care programs in partnership with care.ai, the Orlando-based provider of the AI Smart Care Facility Platform. Select Virtua hospital units now enable patients to interact with a specially trained, remote staff member via the TV in the patient’s room. The patient and care provider can see and hear each other, and far-flung family members can also join these conversations virtually.
First announced in February, the care.ai integration makes Virtua the first health system in Greater Philadelphia to commit to transforming nearly every inpatient room into a “smart” room with virtual care capabilities.
By the end of 2025, more than 1,000 of Virtua’s inpatient beds across five hospitals will be connected to care.ai technology.
“Virtual care reflects Virtua’s commitment to innovate and evolve in support of outstanding patient experiences,” Dr. John Matsinger, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Virtua Health, said. “We are excited to be among the first to embrace this emerging care delivery model. In time, this technology will be the standard for the industry.”
Virtua Willingboro Hospital completed its care.ai implementation in April. Virtua Voorhees Hospital and Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden are currently installing care.ai equipment in a phased approach, with a target completion date in early 2025. Virtua’s hospitals in Marlton and Mount Holly will follow shortly after.
Care.ai’s platform uses its proprietary AI and ambient monitoring technology to power secure in-room cameras and sensors that connect to monitors in hospital patient rooms. Through these devices, dedicated Virtua colleagues (most located in Virtua’s Care Logistics Center in Pennsauken) can initiate video conferencing – allowing the staff member and patient to see and hear one another and have a meaningful discussion. For privacy, these discussions are not recorded, and the camera is off outside of virtual visits.
