Henry Ford Health rolls out virtual nursing program

Detroit-based Henry Ford Health has launched a virtual acute care nursing program at Henry Ford Jackson (Mich.) Hospital, with plans to expand systemwide.

The hybrid model adds virtual nurses to bedside teams via smart camera technology built into patient room TVs. From a 24/7 command center, virtual nurses assist with non-physical tasks such as chart reviews, patient education and discharge processes, according to a Sept. 3 news release. The initiative comes amid a projected 19% shortfall in registered nurses in Michigan by 2037.

The program was piloted over a year, starting with 22 beds and later expanding to 44. As of August, it now covers all 193 beds in the hospital’s acute care units. Pilot data showed each virtual nurse completed over 5,000 remote tasks and saved bedside staff more than 100 hours per month.

Henry Ford Health said it intends to roll out the program to all 13 of its acute care hospitals. Clinton Township, Mich.-based Henry Ford Macomb Hospital will implement virtual nursing later this year, with Michigan hospitals in Wyandotte and West Bloomfield to follow in 2026.

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