Skilled nursing facilities and other long-term care centers using imaging and recording tools is no surprise, as it’s something that’s been around in the industry for quite some time now. SNF staff are tasked with providing around-the-clock care to patients who are no longer able to care for themselves. The constant demand for care, and the vulnerability of SNF patients, makes video surveillance a great option for a number of reasons. But before we get into these reasons, we can’t talk about video technology without talking about its potential risks.
People have opinions whenever it comes to cameras being used in places where they work and live. This is understandable, of course, as this technology can be exploited for bad when in the wrong hands. Skilled nursing facilities must be careful where they place these cameras around their centers, as residents have the right to a certain amount of privacy. Similarly, SNFs must be up-to-date on the current laws protecting resident privacy, as there are instances when video management software can actually violate HIPAA guidelines.
One of the biggest risks of video management software, however, is the possibility of a data breach. Just this past year, over 40 million patient records have been reported to be compromised. The healthcare sector is especially vulnerable to cyber attacks, so it’s important that SNFs and other long-term care centers take every precaution possible to protect their residents against breaches.
While all of these risks can sound intimidating, you shouldn’t have reason to worry as long as you’re following all the proper regulations, guidelines, and laws surrounding video management software.
Now, let’s discuss how video technology can positively impact SNFs.
Perhaps the most obvious is that video surveillance helps keep residents safe. Long-term care centers can use cameras to ensure their facility is free of staff-inflicted neglect or abuse, which is actually one of the biggest concerns that families have when placing their loved ones in a center. They are also used to monitor exits and parking lots. This not only keeps intruders out, but works to keep residents, especially those in dementia units, from wandering off the premises.
But these benefits have become even more incredible as video technology has advanced. Because nurses cannot be in every room all the time, SNFs can also use in-room cameras to detect fall risks before they happen. Through connected monitoring and AI analytics, nurses can be notified in real time so they can catch the fall before it happens or, at the very least, get to the resident immediately. Also, some video management software is equipped with sound sensors. If an item like a drinking glass or flower vase breaks and sends shards of glass all over the room, staff members will be notified immediately so they can rush to clean up before a resident is injured.
Video technology is a powerful tool that aids nurses in keeping patients safe, protected, and happy.
