How Hospitals Are Implementing Technology to Save Lives

Military service takes a heavy toll on mental health due to the extreme physical, emotional, and psychological demands faced by service members.

Combat exposure, traumatic experiences, and deployment-related stress can lead to conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Reintegration into civilian life further challenges veterans, as they struggle with a loss of identity, relationship strain, and employment difficulties.

These stressors, combined with stigma and barriers to seeking mental health care, frequently result in substance abuse and an increased risk of suicide.

The use of technology in these facilities has become critical. That is why veteran hospitals are leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes, save lives, and prevent suicide among veterans. It is just one way to protect those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Telehealth Services & Crisis Chatlines

An estimated one-third of the 8.3 million veterans enrolled in VHA live in rural areas. As hospitals make the foray into Telehealth, these services enable veterans in these underserved areas to connect with healthcare providers remotely. This reduces barriers to care, helping veterans access timely support for mental health conditions like PTSD and depression, which are risk factors for suicide.

VA Video Connect allows veterans to attend virtual medical and mental health appointments from home, while mental health mobile apps such as PTSD Coach and Mindfulness Coach offer self-guided mental health support and coping tools, making it easier for veterans to manage their symptoms.

The Veterans Crisis Line is a lifeline for veterans experiencing suicidal thoughts. The line, accessible via phone, text, or online chat, connects veterans with trained responders. The integration of digital chat and text options has made it easier for veterans, especially younger ones or those who may prefer not to talk on the phone, to seek immediate help.

Wearable Devices & Remote Monitoring

Hospitals and healthcare networks are piloting the use of wearable devices that can monitor vital signs, sleep patterns, and other indicators of mental or physical distress. These devices send real-time data to healthcare providers, who can intervene if they detect warning signs of a mental health crisis, such as irregular sleep or elevated heart rates, which can correlate with anxiety or depression.

Blood pressure monitors are equipped with arm cuffs that determine if blood pressure is low, normal, or high.
Blood glucose meters analyze blood samples to measure sugar levels in blood.
Cardiac monitors have the ability to track the heart’s electrical activity.
Pulse oximeters are a fingertip device that track oxygen levels in blood.
Smartphone apps help track physical activity via Bluetooth connection to a smartwatch. These can also monitor sleep patterns and heart-rate.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

Electronic health records are able to be shared across hospital departments and with healthcare systems.
This allows for better-coordinated care and quicker identification of veterans in need of health interventions.

EHRs allow healthcare providers to access a veteran’s complete medical history, regardless of where they received care. This is useful for veterans who may receive services from different VA hospitals or clinics. Veterans who require specialized treatments for service-related conditions, such as PTSD or traumatic brain injuries, can benefit from more immediate referrals.

Additionally, providers can collaborate more efficiently across disciplines (e.g., primary care, mental health, physical therapy) since they can access a veteran’s entire care plan in real-time, improving continuity of care.

System storing these EHRs can automatically flag potential medication interactions or allergies, ensuring safer treatments for veterans, many of whom may have complex health conditions.

Over-the-door Alarms

Door alarm systems involve sensors that are installed on the tops of door frames in patient rooms or bathrooms. These sensors detect any
abnormal pressure or movement over the door, which could indicate a suicide attempt.

Our Door Switch alarm systems are designed to be discreet to avoid causing unnecessary anxiety for patients, while still providing a crucial layer of safety. The systems are non-intrusive and do not interfere with the normal functioning of doors.

Our system is the only door sensor that extends above the top of the door, with a finely tuned sensitive pressure switch that runs across the top of the door and eliminates hinge points. If the system detects a potential hanging attempt, an alarm is triggered. This sends an immediate alert to hospital staff, enabling them to respond rapidly and potentially save the patient’s life.

The Veterans Hospitals of Tomorrow

The past decade alone has seen a meteoric rise in technology geared toward improving mental health and safeguarding against suicidal events.

The hospitals of tomorrow will come equipped with technology to promote veterans’ mental health. This proactive approach to mental health care will ensure veterans receive the support necessary to thrive.