The impact of COVID-19 on patient safety attendant use. Issue 10 (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shields, Lisa B.E.; Lawson, Tiffany P.; Flanders, Kimberly
• Is Part Of: Nursing. Volume 51:Issue 10(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- fall prevention -- patient safety attendants -- SARS-CoV-2 -- video monitoring; Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000791760.49330.35
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-4039

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Patient safety attendants (PSAs) provide constant direct observation to patients who have cognitive impairments or thoughts. Some estimates report that an acute care hospital in the United States may spend more than $1 million annually on PSAs, an expenditure often not reimbursed. With no national defined standards to regulate or monitor PSA use, this study sought to determine the impact of COVID-19 on a PSA reduction program in a large Midwestern healthcare system. Abstract : In this article, the authors present the findings of a study conducted to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the patient safety attendant (PSA) reduction program at their facility and analyze the use of video monitoring and other alternatives to PSA.