When the “Smart Care” project was launched in 2019, an initial assessment of the primary users was conducted. The challenges included users with early-stage cognitive impairment for whom assessment by phone is not possible or reliable, users who are very restless at night for whom bed sensors are unsuitable for various reasons, and users whose door and bed sensors trigger alerts, resulting in frequent in-person check-ins. This group also included home-based users at high risk of falling, users being evaluated for admission to a nursing home and/or assisted living facility but who still wish to live at home, and users with family members living in the same household who need respite care.
“The staff had mixed expectations regarding Digital Monitoring,” says Lisbet B. Mortensen, Lead Nurse at the Response Center. Some found it ethically challenging to be responsible for monitoring via camera, while many viewed it as an exciting and highly effective tool. “It was easier for those who had participated in the assessment and spoken with the users to view Digital Supervision as less intrusive than a physical visit,” says Mortensen.
After an initial implementation period with thorough training, the municipality began to see the benefits of Digital Monitoring, and today there aremany advantages. Improved quality and a greater sense of security for users, family members, and staff. The number of phone calls and emergency responses has decreased, as false alarms from bed sensors can now be monitored via camera, which in turn improves the user’s sleep quality. Scheduled in-person checks can now be replaced with digital ones, and staff report a further reduction in interventions during night shifts, as well as faster resolution times thanks to video monitoring. The need for certain routine physical checks during night shifts has disappeared entirely for some residents, and staff have gained time to focus on other tasks.
Users who specifically requested digital monitoring when it was introduced are very satisfied. At the same time, it has led to improved resource utilization and more cost-effective services, and some users have been able to postpone the need for a care facility or nursing home following discussions with family members and staff.
“It has been good to have an additional ‘tool’ in the range of assistive technology available in health and social care services. For the right user, staff have viewed it as entirely positive.”