Oklahoma City-based OU Health has launched a hybrid nursing model that pairs bedside nurses with virtual nursing support to improve care coordination and address workforce strain.
Developed with Nexus Bedside, the model assigns in-person nurses to direct patient care while virtual nurses manage patient education, medication reviews and care coordination, according to an Aug. 6 news release from the health system. OU Health said the approach is designed to reduce administrative duties for bedside staff, increase time for patient interaction and enhance retention by improving work conditions.
The program began in the neurology and neurosurgery unit at University of Oklahoma Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Expansion to other units is planned pending evaluation of early outcomes.
Nexus Bedside developed the integrated technology and workflows to support the model. The framework is designed for scalability across hospitals seeking sustainable staffing strategies, according to the release.
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