Patients & Visitors

A virtual nurse viewed in a hospital room TV screen.

Virtual Care for a Better Patient Experience

UH Connected Care Team: In-Person Care and Virtual Care

University Hospitals has introduced a new layer of care by adding a virtual nurse to your in-patient care team. Using state-of-the-art technology, a virtual nurse can enter patient rooms remotely, helping to improve patient safety and enhance the overall experience for UH patients. Your virtual nurse ensures you are connected to the care you need at every point during your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a virtual nurse?: The virtual nurse is part of your care team and works collaboratively with your bedside nurse and other care team members. Our virtual nurses are registered nurses (RNs) that have experience working on their assigned floor or unit, both virtually and at the bedside. Your virtual care team may also include physicians, dietitians and other team members, such as care coordinators.
What are a virtual nurse’s responsibilities?: Your virtual nurse is available to handle a variety of tasks to free up the floor nurses to focus on in-person patient care. The virtual and bedside nurses work together to perform tasks such as admission/discharge, care coordination, communicating with patients and families and medication management. In some cases, they are also in charge of remotely monitoring patient rooms for potential issues or safety concerns.
Is the virtual nurse watching me all the time?: No. Your virtual nurse will "knock" on the television screen before they appear. Patients who are continuously monitored for safety reasons will be informed in advance and will know they're being monitored when the camera is facing them.
How does virtual patient monitoring work?: A virtual nurse can check in with patients and monitor their status using a state-of-the-art camera and microphone in the room. The virtual nurse can communicate any issues to your bedside nurse so they can address problems as they come up. This advanced technology helps improve patient safety and enhance the patient experience.
How can you ensure my privacy?: Patient privacy is very important to us. We do not record or store video, photo or audio files from virtual nursing sessions. Our virtual nurses monitor rooms strictly for patient care purposes and do not listen to private conversations of patients or their visitors. We use remote monitoring thoughtfully and always with your awareness and agreement.
When is the virtual nurse available?: Virtual nursing hours vary by location. Ask your nursing team for more details about the availability of your virtual nurse.
How can I contact the virtual nurse during my stay?: If you wish to speak with your virtual nurse, press the bedside call button and ask the staff to contact the virtual nurse.