By Jay Jason Bartlett, CEO, Cozaint Corp
Hospitals and other healthcare institutions are unique places that require the highest levels of security and patient care. Important priorities include the protection of sensitive medical data and equipment, the wellbeing of those who are most at risk, and the upkeep of a secure and healing environment. A new era of proactive patient care and increased operational efficiency is being ushered in by the integration of sophisticated video surveillance systems with artificial intelligence-powered video analytics, even though conventional security measures like access control and security guards are still essential.
These technologies are no longer simply about deterring crime; they are becoming indispensable tools for improving patient outcomes, optimizing workflows, and creating a safer, more responsive healthcare ecosystem.
The power of video surveillance in healthcare extends far beyond basic monitoring. High-resolution cameras strategically placed throughout a facility provide a comprehensive visual record of events. This can be invaluable for investigating incidents, deterring theft of medications or personal belongings, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
However, the true transformative potential lies in the application of video analytics. By layering AI algorithms onto the video streams, raw footage is transformed into actionable intelligence, offering insights that human observers alone could never achieve.
Improved patient safety and fall prevention are two of the most important ways that video analytics is enhancing medical care. Falls are a major source of hospital injuries, especially for patients who are old or have limited mobility. Conventional fall prevention strategies sometimes depend on nursing staff to do planned inspections, which aren’t necessarily efficient or timely.
When a patient tries to get out of bed without help, shows signs of restlessness or confusion, or wanders into forbidden areas, video analytics systems can continually monitor patient mobility within their rooms and notify personnel in real-time of potentially dangerous circumstances. Better patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs can result from early intervention made possible by these warnings, which can dramatically lower the frequency of falls and the injuries they cause.
For example, if a patient who is flagged as a high fall risk begins to sit up in bed late at night, an alert can be sent directly to a nearby nurse’s mobile device, allowing them to intervene before the patient attempts to stand.
Beyond fall prevention, video analytics plays a crucial role in monitoring patient well-being and detecting early signs of distress. AI algorithms can be trained to recognize subtle changes in a patient’s behavior or vital signs, such as changes in facial expressions indicative of pain, labored breathing patterns, or prolonged periods of immobility.
When it comes to spotting and treating health problems before they worsen, these early warning signs can be quite helpful. A system might, for example, identify a patient who is gripping their chest and displaying symptoms of pain, sending out an alarm to medical personnel so they can perform an assessment in a timely manner.
This proactive approach can lead to faster diagnosis, quicker intervention, and ultimately, improved patient recovery.
Furthermore, video analytics contributes significantly to optimizing staff workflows and improving response times. In busy healthcare environments, knowing the precise location of staff and resources can be critical in emergency situations. Video analytics can provide real-time location services (RTLS) by tracking the movement of personnel and equipment throughout the facility.
This allows for faster dispatch of the nearest available nurse or doctor to a patient in need, reducing response times and potentially saving lives. For example, if a patient presses their call button, the system can identify the closest available staff member and direct them to the patient’s location, streamlining the process and ensuring timely assistance.
Another vital application of video analytics lies in ensuring medication adherence and preventing medication errors. Cameras strategically positioned in medication dispensing areas can monitor the process, verifying that the correct medication and dosage are being prepared for the right patient.
AI algorithms can analyze the video feed to identify any discrepancies or potential errors, alerting pharmacy staff in real-time. This added layer of oversight can significantly reduce the risk of medication errors, which can have severe consequences for patients.
Moreover, video surveillance and analytics can enhance the security and safety of both patients and staff. The presence of visible cameras can act as a deterrent to potential aggressors, reducing the likelihood of violent incidents or theft.
In the unfortunate event of an incident, video footage provides irrefutable evidence for investigations, ensuring accountability and facilitating appropriate action. Analytics can also be used to detect unauthorized access to restricted areas, such as operating rooms or pharmacies, further enhancing security.
Specific use cases further illustrate the transformative impact of these technologies:
Post-operative monitoring: AI can analyze video of patients recovering from surgery, detecting early signs of complications such as excessive bleeding or unusual movements, allowing for prompt intervention.
Behavioral health monitoring: In mental health facilities, video analytics can help monitor patient behavior, identify signs of agitation or distress, and allow staff to intervene proactively in a non-invasive manner.
Infant safety in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs): Video monitoring with analytics can help ensure the safety of vulnerable newborns, detecting events like accidental obstruction of airways or unauthorized access to incubators.
Management of emergency departments: By examining patient flow and wait times, emergency departments may better allocate resources and enhance the overall patient experience.
Infection control: By using video analytics to track hand hygiene habits and sanitation protocol compliance, a cleaner and safer workplace can lower the incidence of hospital-acquired infections.
While the benefits of integrating video surveillance and analytics in healthcare are substantial, it is crucial to address ethical considerations and privacy concerns. Robust data protection policies, transparent communication with patients and staff about the use of these technologies, and strict adherence to privacy regulations are essential to ensure responsible implementation.
The integration of video surveillance and sophisticated video analytics is revolutionizing patient care in hospitals and healthcare facilities. By providing real-time insights into patient behavior, staff workflows, and potential safety risks, these technologies are empowering healthcare providers to deliver more proactive, personalized, and safer care.
There are several uses and enormous potential for improving patient outcomes, ranging from preventing falls and identifying early indicators of distress to maximizing staff reaction times and guaranteeing drug adherence. Video analytics will surely become more and more important in determining the direction of healthcare in the future as AI develops, establishing settings where patient safety and well-being are of utmost importance.
About The Author:
Jay Jason Bartlett is the Managing Editor of Security.World and the CEO of Cozaint Corporation, a manufacturer of security surveillance solutions. Jay has over 40 years in the high-tech industry and over 15 years in physical security. visit: cozaint.com