Real-Time Monitoring for Patient Safety

At HCA Virginia, we're committed to using advanced technology to improve patient safety and outcomes. For individuals in our intensive care units, this includes eICU® Wide Area Treatment & Communication Hub (eWATCH).

Our hospitals were among the first in Virginia and the only ones in the Richmond and Tri-Cities area to implement this system. During the overnight hours when physicians aren't on the actual hospital unit, a critical care physician, who is aware of each patient's history, constantly monitors all information in the eWATCH command center. In addition, our highly experienced critical care nurses are on duty around the clock, so patients receive 24/7/365 nurse coverage and physician coverage from 6 pm to 7 pm each night. Having critical care experts available at all times adds an extra layer of support that translates to better care and better results for our patients.

How eWATCH Works

While eWATCH doesn't replace our onsite caregivers, it offers our monitoring team access to real-time vital signs, test results and other important information as it develops. A video camera in the ICU room allows the eWATCH team to view a patient's condition remotely, and each team can communicate directly with hospital staff using a two-way audio-visual connection. eWATCH also uses software that tracks vital-sign trends and provides alerts so caregivers can intervene quickly.

Protecting Your Privacy

HCA Virginia takes patient privacy very seriously. We've taken the following measures to ensure the privacy of individuals in the ICU:

  • Access to hospital information is limited to people with hospital authorization
  • Information is not released to anyone other than those providing medical care
  • No temporary or permanent recording is made from any camera or microphone
  • Patient information is only transferred to and from the eWATCH center over private phone lines
  • All information is electronically encrypted before it's sent over phone lines
  • Physicians use a secure PIN number as an electronic signature when ordering treatments

Our eWATCH system is simply one more reason why HCA Virginia is your best choice for care.