Safety Watch: Reducing Constant Observation Through Nurse Empowerment and Accountability

Abstract

Safety watch (SW), a nurse-driven surveillance program, provides a framework for the appropriate level of patient observation. It empowers nurses to initiate flexible levels of patient safety observation that can be adjusted based on the patient’s need and be discontinued safely at the earliest opportunity. The SW program resulted in dramatic reductions in constant observation and restraint use while sustaining quality of care.