7A21--NRM| 460-24-009 CLC and Fourth Floor Patient Elopement Upgrade | NCO 4 Construction East (VA-26-00050011)

Patient Elopement Prevention System, Wilmington VA Medical Center, Wilmington Delaware Background: Patient elopement represents a significant safety risk within healthcare facilities, particularly for vulnerable populations such as those with cognitive impairment, mental health conditions, or those at risk of harm to themselves or others. Elopement incidents can result in emotional distress, bodily harm, or even fatalities, and place a legal and reputational burden on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Need Statement: The VA Wilmington VAMC requires a comprehensive Patient Elopement Prevention System to proactively mitigate the risk of unauthorized patient departures ( elopements ), ensure the safety of patients, and comply with The Joint Commission and other regulatory requirements related to patient monitoring, safety, and reporting. Objectives: Prevention: Reduce the incidence of patient elopement from inpatient and specialty care units. Real-time Monitoring: Enable real-time location tracking and immediate alerts to staff if a patient at risk attempts to exit designated safe zones. Rapid Response: Provide timely notification to appropriate response personnel to intervene and prevent patient harm. Audit and Reporting: Facilitate post-incident reviews, trend analysis, and meet documentation/internal audit requirements. Scope: The anticipated system shall include, but not be limited to: Removal and proper disposal of the existing patient elopement prevention system and associated hardware in accordance with VA environmental and information security policies Installation and deployment of the new patient elopement prevention system Wearable tags or wristbands for at-risk patients Fixed and/or portable monitoring devices covering all potential exit points Integration with existing VA IT and security infrastructure Real-time notification to nursing stations and mobile devices Secure logging and reporting features Staff training and maintenance support Conclusion: The implementation of a Patient Elopement Prevention System will enhance the standard of care at Wilmington VAMC, protect Veteran patients, and ensure regulatory compliance. Procuring this system is essential to upholding the VA mission of providing safe, high-quality healthcare.