Behavioral health providers face growing challenges as patient needs become more complex. SummitStone Health Partners, a leading behavioral health provider in northern Colorado, recently tackled these challenges head-on by adopting contactless patient monitoring in behavioral health during a major facility expansion. Moving from a 7,000-square-foot, 10-bed acute care unit to a 60,000-square-foot, 64-bed facility, SummitStone needed innovative solutions to maintain safety and staff efficiency while caring for a highly acute patient population.
Meeting the Challenge with Contactless Patient Monitoring in Behavioral Health
The move to a larger space and more complex patients meant traditional monitoring methods were no longer enough. SummitStone turned to Oxevision — a revolutionary contactless patient monitoring system that uses FDA-cleared technology to monitor patients’ vital signs and activity without physical disturbance. This system provides real-time data, allowing staff to intervene proactively, improving patient safety and staff confidence.
Brian Ferrans, Deputy Executive Director, emphasizes how important this technology was:
“We were looking for ways to create safety for our patients and our staff while expanding into such a large area. Contactless patient monitoring in behavioral health was the solution.”
Empowering Staff with Technology
Transitioning to a larger facility caring for higher-acuity patients required staff to adjust quickly. Dr. Lesley Brooks, Chief Medical Officer, says the adoption of contactless patient monitoringtechnology was vital:
“The acuity of our patients increased, and Oxevision’s contactless patient monitoring in behavioral health gave our team the reassurance they needed to take on these new challenges.”
This technology allowed SummitStone to care safely for patients with complex needs, including those undergoing difficult withdrawals, who previously might have needed transfer to other facilities.
Improving Workflow and Efficiency
Traditional Q15 rounding was time-consuming and disruptive. With contactless patient monitoring, staff can now remotely observe patients continuously. Ferrans notes:
“Our staff can monitor patients efficiently through Oxevision, saving time and improving workflow. This form of contactless patient monitoring is a major leap forward.”
Dr. Brooks sees further potential:
“As we integrate contactless patient monitoring more deeply, it could impact staffing models and enable our workforce to manage more complex care with fewer resources.”
Enhancing Patient Experience
Patients at SummitStone have benefited greatly from the reduction in overnight disruptions thanks to contactless patient monitoring. Previously, frequent manual checks interrupted sleep, affecting recovery and leading some patients to discharge early.
“Now, patients can rest through the night, knowing they’re safely monitored,” Ferrans explains. “The contactless patient monitoring in behavioral health approach improves comfort and promotes engagement in care.”
Supporting Staff Wellbeing and Retention
Staff feel more supported and less stressed with Oxevision acting as an “extra set of eyes.” Ferrans highlights:
“Contactless patient monitoring in behavioral health lowers staff stress levels, which we expect to improve retention.”
Brooks adds:
“The staff view Oxevision not as a replacement but as an extension of their care, enhancing confidence and safety.”
Conclusion: The Future of Behavioral Health Care
SummitStone Health Partners’ success with Oxevision illustrates the transformative power of contactless patient monitoring. By enhancing patient safety, staff efficiency, and care quality, this technology is helping providers meet the demands of modern behavioral health care.
“Contactless patient monitoring is like having another team member — one that never sleeps,” Ferrans says.
For behavioral health facilities planning expansions or looking to improve care and workflows, embracing contactless patient monitoring technology can be a game-changer.
