CarePoints

Episode 29: Bridging IT and Clinical Care: Nurse Informatics Leaders on Mobile Tech in Hospitals

Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, host Kenny Schiff sits down with Lone Star Communications' clinical experts—Regina Wysocki, Elsie Gori, Mark Vines, and Kim Caraway. Together, they explore how nurse informaticists are helping hospitals integrate mobile technology to reduce clinical burden, improve workflows, and enhance patient outcomes. The conversation highlights real-world experiences, the importance of involving clinicians early in the adoption of technology, and the exciting future of nursing technology, including AI-driven documentation and mobile-based EHR access. This Episode's Guests Regina Wysocki, MS, RN, NI-BC, CPHIMS, SHIMSS, is a healthcare informatics thought leader with deep expertise in technology implementation and adoption, change management, strategic partnerships, and data analytics. Known for collaborative leadership and team-building skills, Wysocki is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at UT Tyler, with graduation anticipated in May 2026. An active contributor to professional organizations, Wysocki is a member of HIMSS, ANIA, and TONL, and holds certifications in Nursing Informatics (AACN) and CPHIMS. Connect: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginawysocki/] Mark Vines, MSN, RN, is a Nurse Informatics Specialist and healthcare IT leader with more than 15 years of experience aligning clinical workflows with innovative technology to improve patient care, staff efficiency, and operational outcomes. A registered nurse and healthcare technologist, Vines brings a unique perspective in translating clinical needs into scalable digital solutions, with expertise spanning EMR implementations (Epic, Cerner, PulseCheck), clinical systems strategy, change management, and large-scale training across 40+ hospitals. Currently serving as Secretary Chair for the Houston HIMSS chapter, Vines is an active contributor to advancing the health informatics and technology community. Connect: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markvines/] Elsie Gori, RN, is a Nurse Informaticist with extensive experience in facility-based clinical informatics, CPOE, and surgical services. A registered nurse with a background in intermediate critical care, ICU, PICC services, and med-surg, Gori brings both breadth and depth of clinical expertise to their informatics work. With years of experience in hospital and clinical settings,and semiconductor research and development, Gori offers a unique perspective that blends critical thinking, technological insight, and hands-on patient care. Connect: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elsiegori/] Kim Caraway, MSN, RN, is an accomplished healthcare leader and now works as a nursing informatics specialist for Lone Star Communications. Her career includes serving as Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer for multiple hospitals. Caraway brings extensive experience in both clinical and administrative leadership. She has a strong focus on patient safety and healthcare information technology, reflecting her commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and outcomes. Caraway holds a Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas at Arlington and is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Known for her collaborative and innovative leadership style, she is recognized as a respected voice in the healthcare sector and an advocate for using informatics to improve both patient and staff experiences. Connect: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-caraway-msn-rn-79725235/] Key Takeaways * Nurse informaticists bridge the gap between clinicians and IT, ensuring technology supports patient care. * Mobile technology streamlines workflows, saves time, and keeps nurses closer to the bedside. * Early nurse involvement in tech rollouts boosts adoption and usability. * Alarm fatigue remains a challenge, driving innovation in smarter notification strategies. * Future innovations like AI and mobile EHR access promise to simplify documentation and improve decision-making.

Episode 28: From Hands‑On Engineering to Strategic Vision: Dan Baxter on Leading What's Ahead

Podcast Episode Summary This conversation explores how Lone Star Communications is evolving its technology leadership during a pivotal phase of growth. CTO Dan Baxter discusses how he balances deep engineering involvement with strategic planning. He shares his early passion for technology, why Lone Star's "friends and family" culture drew him in, and how employee ownership strengthens innovation from the ground up. Looking ahead to 2025–2026, Dan highlights sibling companies, ProMobix and Alairo Solutions, and their clinical mobility tools and AI‑driven fall prevention technology, designed to transform clinical workflows and deliver meaningful value to caregivers. This Episode's Guest Dan Baxter is a seasoned technology leader known for blending hands‑on engineering with strategic vision. With deep experience across cloud architecture, software development, analytics, and high‑performance engineering teams, he focuses on building technology that genuinely works for the people using it. His background working with healthcare communication systems—and his long‑standing collaboration with the Lone Star family, gives him a unique perspective on how legacy infrastructure and future innovation intersect. Connect: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-c-baxter/] Key Takeaways * Culture as competitive advantage: Lone Star's team‑first, relationship-driven environment helps accelerate adoption, collaboration, and creative problem‑solving. * With aligned incentives and shared outcomes, teams think more holistically about efficiency, quality, and long‑term value. * Today's biggest gains come from AI augmenting—not replacing—skilled professionals. * Trust comes from not just meeting standards but proving it through evidence and consistent practices. * Clinical mobility, analytics, and AI fall prevention unified in one ecosystem will help caregivers act faster and more confidently. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIgaXBNzrvy2iX9Pf4EQzsA] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-star-communications-inc-/]. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com [info@lonestarcom.com]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Episode 27: From Alarms to Analytics: How Willis Knighton Health Cut Falls by 35%

Podcast Episode Summary: In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff speaks with Jeremy Dye of Willis Knighton Health about building a comprehensive and sustainable fall prevention program in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. With over 26 years as a physical therapist, Jeremy explains why falls remain one of the most preventable yet damaging adverse events in healthcare, especially among neurologically impaired patients. The conversation explores how Willis Knighton moved beyond traditional tools like bed and chair alarms to adopt a multidisciplinary, tailored approach supported by predictive AI technology. Jeremy discusses the organization's journey with Ocuvera's sensor-based system, including staff adoption challenges, alarm fatigue concerns, and the importance of continuous data review. This Episode's Guest: Jeremy Dye is a licensed physical therapist with over 26 years of clinical experience across acute care, outpatient, and inpatient rehabilitation settings. He currently serves as the Performance Improvement and Safety Coordinator for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Willis -Knighton Health in Shreveport, Louisiana. In his leadership role, Jeremy focuses on patient safety, quality improvement, and fall prevention—particularly for neurologically complex and cognitively impaired patients. Known for his data-driven mindset and collaborative approach, he has helped lead a multidisciplinary fall-prevention program that has achieved significant, sustained reductions in patient falls through thoughtful process design, staff engagement, and predictive AI technology. Connect: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-dye-33684a32/] Key Takeaways * Falls are the most common preventable adverse event in healthcare—and prevention requires constant vigilance * Effective fall prevention must be multidisciplinary, involving nursing, therapy, and leadership * Traditional tools like bed and chair alarms are helpful but insufficient on their own * Predictive AI can alert staff before a patient attempt to stand, reducing unassisted falls * Staff buy-in is driven by education, transparency, and real-world success stories * Alarm fatigue can be minimized through flexible, patient-specific alert settings * Continuous data review and feedback loops are essential for sustained success * Technology enables results—but people and process make them stick Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIgaXBNzrvy2iX9Pf4EQzsA] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-star-communications-inc-/]. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com [info@lonestarcom.com]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Episode 26: The Future of Healthcare Communication: Integration, Analytics, and Customization

Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, host Kenny Schiff sits down with Gina Brody, Principal Product Manager at Rauland, and Tessa McAuley, Clinical Solutions Specialist at Lone Star Communications, to discuss the evolving landscape of hospital safety and communication. They explore pressing challenges like active shooter threats, workplace violence, and delayed Code Blue response times—and how technology is stepping up to meet these demands. From automation and system integration to RTLS badges and real-time analytics, Gina and Tessa share insights on creating smarter workflows that protect both patients and staff. This Episode's Guest: Gina Brody is the Principal Product Manager at Rauland, where she has spent the past decade shaping innovative healthcare communication solutions. With extensive experience in healthcare software, Gina is a recognized subject matter expert and thought leader in patient and staff safety technologies. Her work focuses on integrating systems, customizing workflows, and driving product strategies that improve outcomes in acute care environments. Connect: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-pampalone-brody-4029271/] Tessa McAuley is a Clinical Solutions Specialist at Lone Star Communications, bringing deep technical expertise in Rauland's Responder systems. A former Rauland employee, Tessa now works as part of Lone Star's 17-member clinical team, supporting implementations and service for healthcare facilities nationwide. She collaborates closely with hospitals to optimize workflows, enhance emergency response, and leverage technology for safer, more efficient care delivery. Connect: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessamcauley/] Key Takeaways 1. Automation reduces delays in emergency response by eliminating manual steps and ensuring the right team is notified instantly during Code Blue and other critical events. 2. Integration is essential for hospital safety, connecting nurse call systems, overhead paging, and duress alerts into a unified workflow that improves communication and outcomes. 3. RTLS technology enhances staff protection and efficiency, enabling real-time location tracking, automatic call cancellation, and wearable duress buttons for immediate assistance. 4. Customization drives better workflows, allowing hospitals to tailor alerts, escalation paths, and communication protocols to their unique environment and patient care needs. 5. Analytics and reporting close the loop on safety, providing actionable insights into response times, resource allocation, and process gaps for continuous improvement. 6. Leveraging existing infrastructure saves cost and accelerates adoption, enabling hospitals to upgrade safety systems without full-scale replacements. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIgaXBNzrvy2iX9Pf4EQzsA] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-star-communications-inc-/]. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com [info@lonestarcom.com]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Episode 25: How Nursing Informatics and Alarm Management Reduce Fatigue and Improve Patient Outcomes

Podcast Episode Summary In this CarePoints episode, host Kenny Schiff talks with Amy Clodfelter, Health Informatics Strategy & Solutions Leader at McLeod Health, about tackling alarm fatigue in hospitals. Amy shares her experience with alarm management, bed exit alerts, and the impact of nuisance alarms on patient safety and nursing workflows. They discuss real-world strategies, data-driven interventions, and socio-technical factors that shape sustainable improvements. This conversation offers practical insights for healthcare leaders, nurses, and informatics professionals focused on safer, more efficient care. This Episode's Guests Amy Clodfelter Amy Clodfelter is a healthcare leader with over 25 years of nursing experience and 15 years in informatics. She holds a doctorate in Health Informatics and currently serves as Health Informatics Strategy & Solutions Leader at McLeod Health, where she drives telehealth, alarm management, and workflow optimization. Her work focuses on reducing alarm fatigue, improving patient safety, and implementing data-driven interventions that maintain fall prevention while minimizing nuisance alerts. Clodfelter, Amy D. "Improving Alarm Management Practices." CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 28 May 2025, https://doi.org/10.1097/cin.0000000000001324. Improving Alarm Management Practices Wireless Bed Exit Alerts on Medical-Surgical Units: https://journals.lww.com/cinjournal/fulltext/2025/08000/improving_alarm_management_practices__wireless_bed.6.aspx [https://journals.lww.com/cinjournal/fulltext/2025/08000/improving_alarm_management_practices__wireless_bed.6.aspx] Connect: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-clodfelter-181146271/] Key Takeaways * Frequent, non-actionable alerts overwhelm clinicians, slowing response times, and risking missed critical events. Nuisance alarms, false positives, and generic thresholds are major contributors. * Effective strategies require thoughtful workflow design, targeted escalation for bed exit alerts, and socio-technical approaches that consider people, processes, policies, and technology. * Collecting and analyzing alarm data enables informed changes without compromising safety. Success depends on frontline engagement, governance, and executive sponsorship for sustainable improvements. * Emerging technologies like AI, predictive analytics, and telehealth promise smarter alarm customization and extended practices for remote patient care. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIgaXBNzrvy2iX9Pf4EQzsA] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-star-communications-inc-/]. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com [info@lonestarcom.com]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.