News Summary
A recent study by University of Pennsylvania Nursing researchers reveals mixed outcomes regarding virtual nursing programs in hospitals. While some in-hospital nurses found these programs beneficial, a significant number did not perceive a reduction in workload or a substantial improvement in patient care quality. The study surveyed 880 registered nurses across ten states, highlighting the complexities of integrating virtual nursing into hospital operations.
Philadelphia
A recent comprehensive study by University of Pennsylvania (Penn) Nursing researchers reveals that the implementation of virtual nursing programs in hospitals is currently receiving mixed reviews nationwide. The findings, published online in December in JAMA Network Open, indicate that while these programs offer some benefits, many in-hospital nurses do not perceive them as a significant improvement to their workload or patient care quality.
Study Highlights Mixed Outcomes
The Penn Nursing study, one of the largest investigations into virtual nursing care to date, surveyed 880 registered nurses across 10 states, including Pennsylvania, about their experiences working alongside virtual nurses. The results present a complex picture of how this technological integration impacts daily hospital operations and patient well-being.
Impact on Nurse Workload
A significant portion of bedside nurses, more than half (57%), reported that virtual nursing programs did not effectively reduce their workload. In fact, 10% of those surveyed stated that these programs actually increased their workload. This suggests that the promise of offloading tasks for in-person staff is not consistently being met. However, one-third of nurses did report that virtual nurses helped lighten their load.
Perceived Quality of Patient Care
Regarding patient care, the study showed a somewhat more positive outlook, with a majority (53%) of in-hospital nurses believing that virtual nurses contribute to an improvement in patient care quality. Despite this, only a small fraction (11%) considered the improvement to be substantial. These findings suggest that while virtual support may be beneficial, its impact on the overall quality of care might be less dramatic than anticipated by some.
Nurse and Patient Perceptions
Anecdotal feedback gathered during the study revealed a range of perceptions. Some hospital staff found virtual nurses to be very helpful, particularly for tasks such as patient check-ins. Conversely, concerns were raised by some nurses who worried that hospitals might be implementing virtual programs as a way to cut corners rather than ensuring adequate in-person staffing. Interestingly, researchers noted instances where patients misunderstood the virtual nurse, occasionally mistaking them for a television advertisement and attempting to fast-forward.
The Rise of Virtual Nursing
The expansion of virtual nursing programs gained significant momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily as a strategy to minimize physical interactions and protect both patients and healthcare workers. Hospitals nationwide continue to adopt and expand these programs as they face ongoing challenges with nurse staffing and retention. The model typically involves nurses working from a remote hub, using video and messaging technologies to monitor, assess, educate, and coordinate care for hospitalized patients.
Hospital administrators often champion these technologies, including artificial intelligence, with the goal of streamlining administrative duties that can burden staff. They also aim to enhance patient oversight and improve the speed at which clinicians can respond to emergencies. For example, local health systems like Penn Medicine utilize virtual nurses for monitoring patients at risk of falls or for those with tubes and wires that could be accidentally dislodged.
Recommendations for Future Implementation
Given the mixed results, researchers urge caution in the widespread adoption of virtual nursing programs. K. Jane Muir, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of nursing in the Department of Family and Community Health at Penn, emphasized that the findings indicate most bedside nurses are not experiencing major benefits from these programs. She stressed that there is no evidence to suggest that virtual nurses can safely substitute for in-person nursing care.
Co-author Karen Lasater, an associate professor of nursing, highlighted the importance of involving in-hospital nurses in the planning and shaping of virtual care initiatives. The study authors suggest that the success of these programs is highly dependent on maintaining sufficient in-person nursing staff and establishing clear, well-defined implementation standards. This collaborative approach is seen as crucial for integrating virtual care effectively and ensuring it genuinely supports, rather than complicates, the work of bedside nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main finding of the Penn Nursing study on virtual nursing programs?
- The Penn Nursing study found that the rollout of virtual nurses in hospitals remains a mixed bag, with programs receiving mixed reviews nationwide.
- How many nurses were surveyed in the study?
- The study surveyed 880 registered nurses in 10 states, including Pennsylvania.
- Did virtual nursing programs reduce nurse workload?
- More than half (57%) of in-hospital nurses stated that virtual nursing programs did not reduce their workload, and 10% reported that it worsened their workload.
- Did virtual nursing programs improve patient care quality?
- The majority (53%) of in-hospital nurses reported that working with virtual nurses improves patient care quality, but only a fraction (11%) said the improvement in quality was substantial.
- When did virtual nursing programs become more widespread?
- Virtual nursing programs became more widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic, when health systems needed to limit physical interaction to protect patients and medical staff, and have continued to expand in Philadelphia and across the country.
- What recommendations did the Penn Nursing researchers provide?
- Penn Nursing researchers advised caution about implementing virtual nursing programs, stating there is no evidence that virtual nurses are a safe substitute for in-person nursing. They also urged health systems to include in-hospital nurses when shaping their virtual care programs.
Key Features of Virtual Nursing Programs
| Feature | Description | Impact (according to Penn Nursing study) |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Monitoring & Assessment | Nurses use video and messaging technology from an off-site location to monitor patient status and conduct assessments. | Aims to provide extra patient oversight, but efficacy in reducing workload is mixed. |
| Patient Education & Coordination | Virtual nurses provide patient education and help coordinate care using technology. | Majority (53%) of nurses reported improved patient care quality, but only 11% found it substantial. |
| Workload Management | Designed to streamline administrative responsibilities and potentially lighten the load for bedside nurses. | More than half (57%) of in-hospital nurses stated virtual nursing programs did not reduce their workload; 10% reported it worsened their workload. |
| Staffing Support | Implemented as an alternative strategy to address nurse staffing challenges in hospitals nationwide. | Researchers advise caution, emphasizing no evidence that virtual nurses are a safe substitute for in-person nursing. |
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