Philanthropic Funding Improves Patient Care Through Innovative Technology

The Duke Endowment Partners with McLeod Health Foundation

If you or a loved one has recently been admitted to a hospital, you know how much administrative information must be entered into the computer system. Traditionally, this time-consuming task has been handled by compassionate, highly trained nursing staff -- taking valuable time away from direct patient care.

At McLeod Health, however, innovative technology funded by The Duke Endowment is helping change that reality by allowing nurses to spend more time focused on what matters most: caring for patients.

In early 2025, the concept of virtual nursing was introduced, and Care.ai was approved for implementation on the Cardiology Floor at McLeod Regional Medical Center, as well as at McLeod Health Carolina Forest. With grant funding provided by The Duke Endowment, the Virtual Nursing Program officially launched in July 2025.

How Does It Work?
Currently, virtual nurses are housed away from the bedside in a secure, centralized location of McLeod Health. Patient rooms are equipped with smart TVs and two-way camera technology that allow virtual nurses to connect directly with patients and bedside staff.

The virtual nursing team assists with admissions, discharges, patient rounding, education, and other administrative responsibilities. By handling these tasks remotely, bedside nurses are able to devote more time to hands-on patient care.

The impact has been meaningful not only for nursing staff, but also for patients. Since implementation, the number of patient falls on participating units has significantly decreased. Patient experience scores have improved, and the amount of time between physician discharge orders and patient discharge has also been reduced -- helping patients return home sooner.

At the time of discharge, one patient shared:

“I loved the process! Not being rushed with the information allowed me to have a clear understanding.”

As the Virtual Nursing Program continues to enhance the patient experience, plans are already underway to expand the program to additional units and campuses throughout the McLeod Health network.

“Virtual nursing is not replacing the human connection in healthcare -- it is strengthening it,” explains Heather West, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer for McLeod Health. “By easing administrative responsibilities, we are giving our bedside nurses more time to focus on compassionate, meaningful patient care. This program allows our nurses to practice at the top of their profession while ensuring patients feel supported, informed, and cared for throughout their hospital stay. 

“The success of the Virtual Nursing Program demonstrates how technology and compassionate care can work hand in hand to create better outcomes for both patients and nursing staff. We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with The Duke Endowment in this meaningful work.”