Virtual sitters provide 24/7 remote oversight, allowing healthcare professionals to monitor patients in real-time through video calls.
A transformative shift is underway across US hospitals, driven not by machines but by innovative technology — virtual sitting. Amid an ongoing shortage of nurses and support staff, hospitals are turning to remote monitoring solutions to enhance patient care.
Virtual sitters provide 24/7 remote oversight, allowing healthcare professionals to monitor patients in real-time through video calls. This approach aims to alleviate the burden on overwhelmed bedside nurses, reduce the reliance on in-person sitters, and improve patient safety by decreasing falls, preventing self-injury or suicide, and reducing hospital readmissions.
WWRS vice president Anthony Monteras, managing director Rosita Lara Lumagui, Worldwide Healthstaff Solutions CEO and WWRS president Ron Hoppe, Medical Solutions chief clinical officer Patty Artley, and Worldwide Healthstaff Solutions chief nursing officer Laura Dunlap Messineo at the official site launch of WWRS, a virtual nursing pioneer in the Philippines
Filipino healthcare workers at the Forefront
This emerging model also presents new opportunities for Filipino healthcare workers. Recently, Ron Hoppe, president of Worldwide Resource Solutions (WWRS), shared insights into how the Philippines is playing a pivotal role in this global healthcare innovation.
WWRS, a subsidiary of US-based Medical Solutions and Worldwide Healthstaff Solutions Ltd., has launched a new operational hub at the GBF Center in Bridgetowne, Quezon City. This marks its official entry into virtual healthcare services outside the US — with the Philippines serving as a strategic hub for delivering remote patient care.
While WWRS already operates virtual sitting services in the US, Hoppe emphasizes that this is the first time the service is being delivered from afar, utilizing staff based halfway across the world. The move responds to persistent staffing challenges in American hospitals, where recruitment and retention of clinical and support staff remain problematic.
“While American schools aren’t producing enough graduates fast enough, and enrollment in healthcare courses is declining, we need to think differently,” Hoppe notes. “If we can’t educate our way out of this shortage quickly, then bringing the work to where the workers are makes perfect sense.”
Choosing the Philippines was a strategic decision. Hoppe highlights the country’s strong healthcare education system, high English proficiency, and favorable demographic profile — making it an ideal location for this innovative, globally integrated care model. The Philippines has a rich history of exporting highly skilled healthcare professionals, which aligns seamlessly with WWRS’s objectives.
How does virtual sitting work?
Virtual sitting does not require a registered nurse or licensure in the US. The role typically involves nursing assistants, recent nursing graduates, or individuals with at least two years of healthcare experience, all of whom undergo comprehensive training on workflows, technology, and patient safety. Virtual sitters observe and report rather than diagnose or interpret complex data. “Their primary responsibility is patient safety — monitoring, listening, and alerting the on-site care team to any issues. They oversee 12 to 15 patients simultaneously via video feeds, ensuring continuous oversight,” explains Patty Arley, chief clinical officer, Medical Solutions.
When a patient exhibits high-risk behaviors — such as attempting to exit the bed or confusion — the sitter can verbally redirect them and escalate concerns immediately to the bedside staff, according to hospital protocols. This direct interaction fosters rapport with patients and facilitates timely interventions.
According to Artley, WWRS plans to extend its services beyond observation to include remotely delivered registered nursing care by US-licensed Filipino nurses, emphasizing that this initiative aims to support bedside nurses rather than replace them.
“It offers valuable experience in the US healthcare system and enhances nurses’ resumes, especially for those aspiring to work abroad,” she adds.
A Filipino virtual sitter watches patients and alerts staff on the ground when something seems amiss or patients need anything.
Reliance on technology
As expected, this model is highly dependent on technology. A stable Internet connection is crucial, and fail-safe systems are integrated to prevent disruptions.
“Virtual sitters will operate exclusively from WWRS facilities to ensure security and supervision standards,” says Hoppe.
Staff training includes simulations and assessments to guarantee system reliability, with even a moment of downtime considered unacceptable.
Training and future growth
Recruitment is already underway among local healthcare schools and training programs, focusing especially on recent nursing graduates preparing for licensure exams. This initiative offers them valuable US healthcare experience without leaving the Philippines, serving as a stepping stone for future practice abroad.
WWRS has initially planned for 20 full-time positions but anticipates rapid expansion. Hoppe envisions surpassing 100 staff members once the model proves successful, providing continuous, 24/7 care.
A global healthcare innovation
Compensation will be paid in Philippine pesos, adjusted to reflect the responsibilities within a US-based clinical framework. Hoppe emphasizes that this isn’t just a staffing solution — it represents a new era of healthcare delivery.
“We’re proud to launch this initiative in the Philippines and excited about the future ahead,” he adds.
Virtual sitting is set to revolutionize how healthcare is delivered, bridging gaps and making quality care more accessible worldwide.
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