Technological Change in Hospitals’ Fall Prevention Methods

Abstract

This case study examines the rise of Remote Video Monitoring (RVM) as a technological solution to hospital falls in the U.S., particularly in the context of post-pandemic staffing shortages and increased regulatory scrutiny. Historically, hospitals used physical or chemical restraints and human “sitters” to prevent patient falls, but these methods raised significant ethical concerns and proved only moderately effective. RVM systems now offer an alternative, allowing technicians to observe patients remotely and intervene through alerts or two-way audio. While some studies report cost savings and reduced fall rates, broader reviews suggest inconclusive results. More importantly, the use of RVM raises serious ethical issues: patients are rarely informed or asked for specific consent, surveillance may limit autonomy, and privacy is compromised—especially for high-risk patients confined to beds. Moreover, the expansion of RVM into uses beyond fall prevention (e.g., self-harm monitoring) further complicates its role in patient care. The case prompts critical reflection on how digital monitoring reshapes the relationship between safety, autonomy, and dignity in clinical environments.