St. Louis, MO (September 26, 2006) — Arteco Vision Systems, a leader in the complete customization of intelligent video (IV) applications in the security industry, reports an escalation in IV applications with healthcare and senior citizen environments.
"Traditionally, intelligent video technology has been used in security applications," said Ray Rudy, National Sales Manager for Arteco's North American Market. "However, as these systems become more advanced, there are new uses that are helping people in ways far beyond security. Within healthcare and senior citizen settings, intelligent video is being used to detect events and alert personnel to safety issues. With its network capabilities and analytics, intelligent video is a solution to a variety of serious issues, including patient and resident falls, and injuries that result from falls."
According to Rudy, The Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) names the reduction of risk of falls, and implementation of a fall reduction program, among their 2007 Assistant Living National Patient Safety Goals. The financial impact of fall injuries is staggering. In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that direct medical costs for all fatal and non-fatal falls totaled $19.4 billion. This is expected to rise to $32.4 billion by 2020.
Intelligent Video is currently being used in healthcare settings to help with the care of patients whose movements or activities must be confined. Security cameras are strategically mounted in the rooms for wide coverage and digital areas of interest are created around the patient beds using the IVS' analytics software. If a patient gets out of bed or should slip, fall or wander away, the IVS detects this event as abnormal behavior and immediately alerts the personal hand-held communication device (the Nurse Call Station, PDA, or Smartphone) of the on-duty staff.
Within the last year, Arteco has been very successful introducing intelligent video solutions to a growing number of healthcare and senior citizens facilities around the world. The company has formed strategic partnerships with hospital bed companies, and is seeking other partners for joint ventures in this area. Arteco also recruited niche dealer partners who have experience in the healthcare industry, and began conducting a program called "Integration Academy" that helps administrators understand the safety and economic ramifications of using intelligent video.
"We are providing these administrators with cost-effective measures to improve performance and avert safety and security problems," said Rudy. "Most facilities are amazed at what intelligent video can do for them and how it can improve their risk management."
