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

Connect: LinkedIn

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 and LinkedIn.

☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected].

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.

Podcast Episode Summary

This episode of CarePoints explores what makes healthcare technology adoption successful, and it's not just the tech. Host Kenny Schiff and guest George Weldon Jr. discuss how authentic relationships, stakeholder engagement, and outcome-focused strategies create lasting impact. From building trust with vendors to navigating procurement and IT hurdles, they share practical advice for vendors and leadership insights for healthcare executives. If you want to improve patient care, reduce workflow friction, and foster long-term partnerships, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways.

This Episode's Guest

George Weldon Jr

Former Vice President of Operations at Westchester Medical Center Health Network.

George Weldon Jr. is a transformational healthcare leader with nearly 20 years of experience, including 15 years in leadership roles. His career spans analytics, innovative technologies, and enterprise-level operations, reflecting a unique blend of clinical insight, technical fluency, and strategic vision. George has led multi-site health systems, acute care hospitals, and technology-driven environments through cultural evolution, operational turnarounds, and major capital projects—always with a focus on patient- and people-centered outcomes. Known for pairing precision with empathy, he has driven measurable improvements in quality, efficiency, and financial performance while fostering collaboration across clinical, IT, and operational teams.

Connect: LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

1. Healthcare organizations prioritize measurable improvements in patient care, safety, and efficiency, not flashy features. Vendors must clearly demonstrate the value and impact of their solutions.

1. Successful technology implementation starts with trust and authentic engagement. Vendors who listen, build coalitions, and understand organizational goals outperform those focused only on transactions.

1. Leaders must observe team dynamics, include diverse stakeholders, and foster collaboration to ensure smooth adoption and cultural alignment.

1. Vendors who spend time understanding real workflows and pain points earn trust and design better solutions, an often-overlooked strategy for long-term success.

1. Post-implementation, regular check-ins and governance meetings with vendor partners are essential to optimize workflows, track KPIs, and maintain momentum.

Connect with Lone Star Communications

☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn.

☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected].

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.

Podcast Episode Summary

In this CarePoints Podcast episode, host Kenny Schiff sits down with Allen Foucht, BSN, RN, CLSSMBB, Senior Engagement Consultant at Midmark Consulting, to discuss the critical role of Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) in modern healthcare. Drawing from Allen's nursing background and frontline experience, the conversation explores how RTLS has evolved from asset tracking to a must-have solution for staff safety, duress alerts, and workflow optimization. They delve into how Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and hybrid RTLS technologies are reducing costs, enhancing adoption, and creating safer environments for both patients and caregivers. The episode highlights why facility-wide duress systems are no longer optional in addressing workplace violence and ensuring nurse well-being.

This Episode's Guests

Allen Foucht, BSN, RN, CLSSMBB

Allen Foucht is a seasoned healthcare professional and Senior Engagement Consultant at Midmark Consulting. Before moving into consulting, he served as an RN in high-pressure environments, including the emergency room and ICU, where he gained first-hand experience with clinical workflow, patient transport, and frontline safety challenges.

At Midmark, Foucht helps hospitals and health systems implement Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) that go beyond simple asset tracking, designing solutions that support staff duress, improve workflow efficiency, enhance safety, and elevate patient care. His expertise is rooted in both the practical realities that nurses face and the evolving RTLS technologies, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and hybrid sensor platforms.

Foucht is passionate about helping institutions adopt RTLS with full facility coverage—so staff feel protected everywhere in the hospital. He believes in deploying technology in ways that are intuitive for caregivers, driving adoption, and enabling safer environments for everyone.

Connect: LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• Workplace violence in healthcare is rising, making staff safety and duress systems essential.

• RTLS has evolved from asset tracking to a critical tool for staff safety, workflow efficiency, and patient care.

• Facility-wide RTLS coverage is vital—partial deployments erode trust and leave staff vulnerable.

• BLE and hybrid RTLS technologies reduce costs, speed deployment, and improve precision.

• Adoption depends on ease of use and addressing privacy concerns by focusing on workflow benefits.

Connect with Lone Star Communications

☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn.

☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected].

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.

In this episode of CarePoints, host Kenny Schiff speaks with Rob Gorelik, Senior Product Manager at Rauland, about the company's legacy and innovation in education and healthcare communications. Rob shares his experience leading the development of Telecenter, a platform widely used in schools and increasingly in hospitals. The conversation explores Rauland's evolution from its early days in radio to becoming a leader in safety and communication technology, with a strong focus on enhancing security in learning environments.

This Episode's Guests

Rob Gorelik

Senior Product Manager at Rauland

Robert Gorelik is a Senior Product Manager with over 11 years at Rauland, where he leads the development and lifecycle management of Telecenter — cutting-edge solutions designed to improve school safety. His work spans product innovation, customer application support, and strategic sales enablement. With a deep understanding of the K–12 landscape, Robert is committed to delivering technology that helps schools create safer, more secure learning environments.

Connect: LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

1. Rauland's Telecenter platform, originally designed for schools, is now being explored for use in hospitals, highlighting how communication technologies can be adapted across sectors to improve safety and coordination

1. With over 80 years in the industry, Rauland's evolution from radio manufacturing to modern communication systems shows how long-standing companies can stay relevant by continuously innovating to meet current challenges.

1. School and hospital safety are top-of-mind concerns, and Rauland's focus on integrated communication systems directly supports emergency preparedness and real-time response capabilities.

1. Managing a product's full lifecycle, from development to deployment, is extremely important. Ensuring that solutions remain aligned with user needs and technological advancements.

1. Rauland's success is rooted in understanding the unique needs of educators and healthcare providers, reinforcing the value of designing technology with direct input from end users.

Connect with Lone Star Communications

☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn.

☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected].

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.

In this episode of CarePoints, Bill Mundt, Deputy CIO of University Health in San Antonio, shares what makes healthcare IT partnerships succeed. He emphasizes that trust, transparency, and responsiveness are essential to building lasting relationships with hospitals. Cybersecurity remains a top concern, as leaders balance innovation with the risks of ransomware and other threats. Mundt stresses that vendors must provide not only technology but also expertise and accountability. At the core of every partnership is patient care, and the best vendors never lose sight of that mission.

This Episode's Guest

Bill Mundt

Bill Mundt is the Deputy Chief Information Officer at University Health in San Antonio, where he leads strategic initiatives that align technology with the mission of advancing patient care. With more than 37 years of IT leadership experience across both military and civilian operations, he has deep expertise in healthcare IT, enterprise infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Known for his crisis management skills and pragmatic problem-solving approach, Bill has overseen the implementation of complex technology solutions that improve organizational efficiency and clinical outcomes. He is recognized for fostering strong vendor partnerships built on trust, transparency, and long-term reliability. At the core of his leadership philosophy is a commitment to ensuring that every technical decision supports the clinicians, staff, and patients who depend on University Health.

Connect: LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• Once trust is broken, it's nearly impossible to repair, making transparency and reliability critical for long-term partnerships.

• Hospitals need vendors who bring strong service teams, not just polished sales pitches, to build credibility with clinicians and leadership.

• New solutions must balance innovation with rigorous security standards to protect patients, staff, and hospital systems.

• Quick, clear communication from vendors strengthens trust and ensures alignment in fast-paced healthcare environments.

• Every IT decision affects clinicians and patients directly, meaning the best vendors act as true partners in delivering safer, more effective care.

Connect with Lone Star Communications

☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn.

☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected].

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.

In this episode of CarePoints, host Kenny Schiff sits down with Lone Star Communications founder and CEO, Ray Bailey, to explore the company's future following its transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). From longtime employees who've been part of the journey since day one, to strategic decisions and Bailey's personal mission, discover what truly sets Lone Star apart as a leader in the industry.

This Episode's Guests

Ray Bailey

Ray Bailey, founder and CEO of Lone Star Communications, brings decades of experience in healthcare communications to the company's foundation. Before launching Lone Star in 1991, Bailey spent five years as a district manager at Rauland, a leading provider of integrated communication and safety solutions for healthcare and education. Thirty-four years ago, Bailey drafted the mission statement that continues to be Lone Star's guiding light: "We will deliver the right products to our customers on time, the first time, every time, with no exceptions." He has served on the board of directors for the National Systems Contractors Association since 2003 and is an accomplished pilot, having flown over 200 Angel flights.

Connect: LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• Lone Star Communications is now proudly employee-owned through an ESOP. This transformative move gives employees a direct stake in the company's success and helps preserve its leadership and values for the long term.

• Lone Star has grown into a trusted industry leader with 285 employees. It continues to make a meaningful impact across healthcare, education, and commercial industries by focusing on safety, communication, and service.

• Employee empowerment is central to Lone Star's culture and future. Through smart management and technology, the company fosters leadership at every level and ensures employees can make a real impact—and benefit from it.

• Rather than being acquired, Lone Star chose to expand strategically on its own terms. With multiple acquisitions and a focus on schools and hospitals, the company is poised to double in size and grow its national influence in the coming decade.

Connect with Lone Star Communications

☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn.

☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected].

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.

In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff sits down with healthcare technology leader, Steve Tyler, to discuss why less is more when it comes to clinical communication tools. Learn how aligning technology with real clinician workflows—not just adding more features—can reduce alert fatigue, improve staff efficiency, and enhance patient safety. From the importance of user-centered design to the role of AI and data integration, this episode breaks down what it takes to build healthcare technology that truly supports care teams and drives better outcomes.

This Episode's Guests

Steve Tyler

Formerly CTO at Vocera and Extension Healthcare, and VP at TigerConnect, Tyler specializes in building scalable, user-centered tools that support clinicians and improve care delivery. Passionate about aligning technology with real-world needs, Steve helps organizations design solutions that make healthcare safer, smarter, and more efficient.

Connect: Website

Key Takeaways

1. Effective healthcare technology should align with clinician workflows, not just add more features—tools must reduce burden and improve patient outcomes.

2. Feature overload is often fear-driven, leading to unnecessary alerts and inefficiency; instead, solutions should be based on real problems and situational awareness.

3. Strong infrastructure is essential, as reliable networks and seamless integration form the foundation for successful clinical tools.

4. User-centered design and product integrity are key, ensuring solutions are built with direct clinician input and only include features that truly add value.

5. AI and data tools hold promise, but must be thoughtfully integrated to support—not replace—clinicians, relying on high-quality data and real-world testing to be effective.

Connect with Lone Star Communications

☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn.

☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected].

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.

In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with the CEO of Ocuvera, Steve Kiene, about the future of fall prevention in hospitals. Learn how predictive technology, staff workflow integration, and solid infrastructure are helping reduce unassisted bed exits by over—and what it means for the future of safer care.

This Episode's Guests

Steve Kiene - CEO for Ocuvera

With a background spanning software, computer vision, hospital tech, and product development, Steve brings both technical expertise and a patient‑centered perspective. His leadership helped build the largest proprietary video dataset of patient room behavior, enabling Ocuvera's AI to achieve significant reductions in falls and real outcomes for hospitals, caregivers, and patients.

Connect: LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

1. Ocuvera's AI-enabled technology identifies patient movements that signal a likely unassisted bed exit, helping staff intervene before a fall occurs.

2. Successful adoption depends on involving frontline staff early, integrating alerts into existing workflows, and providing ongoing training to build trust and reduce resistance.

3. Predictive tech needs more than just hardware; it relies on strong Wi-Fi, integrated nurse call systems, and proper alert routing. A solid infrastructure is key to reliable performance.

4. Hospitals using predictive systems have cut unassisted bed exits by 60% and saved millions by reducing sitter costs and fall-related penalties, while also boosting staff satisfaction.

5. Ocuvera's platform has potential beyond fall prevention, including pressure injury prevention and rounding compliance. This is just the beginning of smarter, safer care delivery.

Connect with Lone Star Communications

☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn.

☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected].

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 34 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Podcast Episode Summary

In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Kassaundra McKnight-Young about how technology is transforming healthcare with real-time data, wearable devices, and innovative solutions. Together, they explore how these advancements improve patient safety, speed up care, and enhance the overall healthcare experience.

This Episode's Guests

Kassaundra McKnight-Young

Healthcare CNIO Industry Principle for Zebra Technologies

With 30 years of experience in healthcare, Kassaundra is committed to driving nursing excellence through technology integration, championing patient safety, staff empowerment, and healthcare innovation. Known for her collaborative approach and problem-solving skills, she thrives in dynamic environments where innovation meets real-world application.

Connect: LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

1. Advancements in technology now allow healthcare professionals to access real-time data, enabling quick responses to patient needs. This ensures faster decision-making and improved care delivery.

1. Wearables such as smartwatches and fitness trackers continuously monitor health metrics like heart rate and sleep patterns. These devices provide valuable insights into a patient's health, allowing for proactive interventions before issues escalate.

1. Telehealth and virtual consultations are growing rapidly, expanding access to healthcare, especially in rural or underserved areas. These solutions allow patients to receive medical attention without the need for travel, saving time and reducing healthcare costs.

1. Automation tools and predictive analytics are being implemented to streamline hospital operations, from scheduling to resource management. These technologies enhance efficiency and contribute to better patient outcomes.

1. By integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analysis, healthcare systems are becoming more accurate in diagnosing conditions and predicting potential risks, leading to better patient safety and long-term health outcomes.

Connect with Lone Star Communications

☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn.

☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected].

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.

Podcast Episode Summary

In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Donna Montgomery and Kevin Henderson about the company's new StarCare CX program, which focuses on evolving customer experience based on ever-changing industry needs. They discuss how Lone Star is shifting from transactional service to a collaborative, results-driven approach, with an emphasis on proactive support, continuous improvement, and aligning technology with providers' goals.

This Episode's Guests

Donna Montgomery

Chief Clinical Informatics Officer at Lone Star Communications

Through advanced healthcare technology solutions, Donna leads initiatives to improve patient care and outcomes. She is passionate about addressing key healthcare challenges and is committed to driving continuous improvement in healthcare organizations through her leadership in Lone Star's customer experience programs.

Connect: LinkedIn

Kevin Henderson

Chief Operating Officer of Lone Star's Arkansas region

Kevin is focused on fostering long-term partnerships with clients through proactive engagement and continuous support. He plays a key role in Lone Star's customer experience initiatives, driving the adoption of tailored solutions that improve healthcare workflows, enhance patient care, and deliver measurable results for clients.

Connect: LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

1. Lone Star's StarCare CX program shifts the company from a transactional model to a more collaborative, results-driven approach. This evolution involves proactive support to ensure solutions align with evolving customer needs and optimize workflows.

1. The program strongly emphasizes understanding and aligning with customer goals, moving away from merely selling products. Lone Star works closely with clients to deliver tailored technology solutions that directly improve organizational outcomes.

1. Key healthcare challenges, such as improving patient experience and reducing falls, are central to the StarCare CX program. Through advanced technology like bed exit alarms and upgraded nurse call systems, Lone Star helps clients meet critical metrics that impact patient care and reimbursement rates.

1. Lone Star's "high-touch" service model ensures customers receive continuous, hands-on support. Frequent communication and in-depth understanding of client challenges enable Lone Star to provide solutions that address both immediate and long-term needs.

1. The program focuses on continuous improvement, with an emphasis on delivering measurable outcomes. This approach ensures that Lone Star stays engaged with clients, making adjustments as needed to improve customer care and operational efficiency.

Connect with Lone Star Communications

☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn.

☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected].

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.