A comparative study of patient sitters with video monitoring versus in-room sitters

Abstract

Background/Objective: Use of in-room sitters to prevent patient’s fall or injury is widespread in hospitals. This practice, however, is expensive, seldom reimbursed, controversial in the literature, and not supported by a strong body of evidence.  The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of patient falls and self-harm using in-room sitters and video monitoring and associated costs.

Methods: In-room sitters and video monitoring was studied in two adult, medical surgical units, using an evaluative research design, with quasi-experimental approach. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t tests were performed for analysis.

Results: The study identified no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of falls or self-harm events when video monitoring was used to provide constant observation. There was statistically significant lower cost per patient day with video monitoring.

Conclusions: Video monitoring is less expensive than sitters and does not impose a patient safety risk for falls or self-harm.