Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) has expanded its advanced inpatient services with the addition of Ocuvera, an industry-leading artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to predict and help prevent patient falls before they occur. This cutting-edge technology strengthens JRMC’s commitment to safety, innovation and patient-centered care by using real-time monitoring and informed alerts to support faster interventions and reduce the risk of harm.
The Ocuvera system, located in each room in JRMC’s Patient Care Unit (PCU), includes a sensor that links to the care team’s mobile communication devices and central monitoring stations. Using algorithms developed based on extensive research, the system alerts the team when a patient’s movements indicate an increased risk of falling. Nurses can even communicate directly with patients through the sensor, allowing for immediate engagement and support.
“We are committed to embracing innovation that enhances both patient safety and staff support,” said Trisha Jungels, JRMC Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer. “The Ocuvera system reflects our forward-thinking approach by using technology to prevent falls before they happen, giving our team greater peace of mind while allowing patients to heal with dignity and confidence.”
The decision to bring Ocuvera to JRMC was part of a strategic initiative to strengthen fall prevention through proactive technology and multidisciplinary collaboration. A specialized “Fall Prevention Team” — made up of nurses and physical therapists — evaluated trends and explored new tools to further support patient safety. Ocuvera emerged as the most effective solution, offering predictive capabilities that go far beyond traditional methods.
“Unlike traditional bed alarms, Ocuvera is not reactive — it’s proactive. It uses AI to predict risky movements before they happen and sends alerts to nursing staff,” said Lisa Schrenk, JRMC PCU manager. “It allows for much faster intervention, preventing falls and potentially shortening hospital stays.”
Other fall-prevention options — such as third-party video sitter services or basic in-room cameras — come with privacy, staffing and reliability concerns. Ocuvera is fully HIPAA-compliant and does not record or store facial features or any personally identifiable information, making it both secure and respectful of patient privacy.
These safeguards, combined with the benefits of predictive AI, made Ocuvera the ideal choice for JRMC.
“Inclusion of the Ocuvera system further demonstrates that JRMC is committed to leading in patient safety and advanced care,” said Schrenk. “This is another tool in our toolkit to keep patients safe. Families can feel confident that we are using the best resources available to care for loved ones.”