Cover story


Nurse call systems: getting smart with AI


Barry Vacher, marketing manager of nurse call system provider Courtney Thorne, explains how artificial intelligence has been embraced by care homes and why it is nothing to be scared of


Nurse call systems can now alert carers directly on their smartphones, complimenting care-focused applications that have enabled carers to reduce the amount of burdensome paper-based administration, allowing them to spend more time caring for their residents. Care plans can be applied and updated on the move which improves the management and efficiency of care delivery. All of these technologies free up time and permit greater control over the wellbeing and safety of the vulnerable, resulting in residents feeling supported and more independent. Care apps and software-based care


planning solutions have been around for some time and while initially early adopters, including larger care groups were able to invest in such products, the cost reductions in research and development, as well as production, have been passed on - making these solutions more affordable for all care homes. Yet what is next, what other technologies are available today or in development and likely to become commonplace in the future?


AI is here and here to stay Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a term residing in the realms of science fiction. Monitoring and data collection solutions are becoming more common in many industries, not least the health and care sectors. Systems used for residents in care


homes use a combination of sensors to monitor the care given, location, and wellbeing of those in care, especially when they are at their most vulnerable - alone in their rooms during the night. Staff are alerted instantly should


residents need help or intervention during the night. This could be if they are in distress, have had a fall, or even if an irregularity in their sleeping habits has been detected. Monitoring systems such as these, which incorporate AI, without doubt improve and even save lives. By reducing the need to complete so many night time checks, allowing night time care staff to apply more time to those who are more in need, leaves most residents to benefit from an undisturbed, restful night’s sleep. In turn, this can impact positively for


those staff on day duties. Residents who are better rested are happier, less needy and less reliant on staff. This boosts staff morale and aids staff retention thereby reducing costs and inefficiencies associated with agency staff. AI and smart technology solutions are


statistically proven to reduce resident falls up to 55 per cent, release up to 40 per cent of staff time during the night, and decrease hospital visits by up to 20 per cent. Directly and positively impacting bed occupancy, staff retention and may even contribute to improvements in CQC assessment scoring.


DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT


homecare www.thecarehomeenvironment.com l February 2021


The use of AI has also contributed


greatly to decrease the spread of Covid- 19 in care settings. Fewer physical interactions mean less chance of transferring the virus. While less direct contact with residents is far from ideal in terms of care, it has meant that both staff and residents have been safer overall. In addition, smart AI solutions have


enabled some management and senior staff to be able to operate remotely away from their care homes. They have been able to monitor care plans, staff allocations, and incidents via cloud technologies, with reports accessible at the touch of a button giving an excellent view of the internal mechanics of the establishment. So, AI is helping organisations here


and now, it is just terminology for using data in a smarter way and is to be embraced and not feared.


Contact details


Courtney Thorne, C-T Centre, Elliott Road, Bournemouth, BH11 8JS Telephone: 0800 0862475 Email: info@c-t.co.uk www.nursecallsystems.co.uk


February 2021 • www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 7 TCHE


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