Novant Health becomes first health system in U.S. to use real-time rounds technology on adult and pediatric patients
SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — Novant Health has become the first health system in the United States to use Q-rounds, a real-time rounds coordination technology, across both adult and pediatric care settings, including the platform’s inaugural use for adult inpatients and intensive care patients nationwide.
The technology was first launched in Novant Health’s neonatal intensive care unit, where it helped families track when care teams would arrive at a patient’s bedside and made it easier for them to join discussions about care. The health system has since expanded the platform to adult inpatient and intensive care units.
During daily rounds, physicians, nurses and other clinicians meet to discuss a patient’s condition, treatment plan and next steps. Families who opt into Q-rounds receive real-time updates on when care teams are expected to arrive. Those who cannot be present at the bedside can RSVP to join remotely, listen to updates and ask questions.
“One of the ways we’re transforming healthcare is by using innovative technologies to improve the experiences that matter most to patients and families,” said Sanjay Gupta, executive vice president and chief transformation officer at Novant Health. He said the goal is to make it easier for families to take part in care conversations regardless of their location.
Novant Health said the first family to use Q-rounds included a father who was unable to be at the hospital while caring for young children at home after his newborn son was admitted. Using the platform, he joined rounds remotely and took part in discussions about his son’s care.
The initial rollout included Presbyterian Medical Center, which Novant Health said is the first adult inpatient unit in the country to use Q-rounds, and Thomasville Medical Center, described as the first adult intensive care unit to adopt the platform. The rollout also included Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital and Hemby Children’s Hospital, including its pediatric and neonatal intensive care units. Nearly 350 family members have joined care rounds remotely since the platform launched at Novant Health, according to the health system.
Officials said the technology is also intended to streamline communication among clinicians, giving them more time to focus on patient care.
“Every hospital hears the same question every day: ‘When will the doctor be here?’ With Q-rounds, we finally are able to answer it,” said Dr. Michael Pitt, co-founder and CEO of Q-rounds. He said the platform addresses a common concern among families who fear missing rounds while stepping away from a patient’s bedside.
Novant Health said Q-rounds will expand to additional hospitals and inpatient units in the coming months. Patients and their designated contacts will receive information about the service when it becomes available on their unit.
According to Q-rounds, the Minneapolis-based company’s platform has tripled family participation in rounds in peer-reviewed studies and is now the first of its kind to be used in U.S. adult inpatient and intensive care settings.
