OSF HealthCare is elevating patient safety and care in its labor and delivery units through the introduction of a groundbreaking virtual monitoring program that enhances traditional bedside care with advanced technology and expert support.

Fetal and maternal monitoring during labor and delivery is critical for ensuring the well-being of both mother and baby. For newborns, electronic fetal heart rate monitoring helps detect early signs of distress—such as reduced oxygen supply, abnormal heart rate patterns, or umbilical cord compression—allowing healthcare providers to intervene before complications arise. For mothers, continuous monitoring of vital signs, contractions, and labor progress can help identify potential concerns like excessive bleeding, infection, high blood pressure, or complications related to anesthesia.

Now, OSF HealthCare is layering additional support into this essential care by launching a new Virtual Labor and Delivery Monitoring Program across all of its hospitals with birthing units.

“This program adds an extra layer of safety by providing 24/7 remote monitoring through our OSF OnCall team, who work hand-in-hand with bedside caregivers,” says Kate Johnson, manager of Digital Care-Women’s Services, OSF OnCall.  “It does not replace our in-person care teams but gives them additional expert eyes on every laboring patient.”

Using PeriWatch Vigilance, an AI-enhanced software, a centralized team of OSF OnCall registered nurses known as the OSF OnCall Acute OB team monitors laboring patients in real time. The system uses tiered, color-coded alerts to signal early signs of potential complications. When an alert is triggered, the OnCall Acute OB nurses coordinate directly with the in-hospital care team to ensure prompt follow-up.

Importantly, this service does not require any new equipment for mothers or babies and comes at no additional cost to patients or payors.

The OSF OnCall Acute OB team supports all OSF hospitals with labor and delivery services, including:

• Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria
• Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park
• Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford
• Saint Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington
• Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville
• Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa
• Saint Mary Medical Center in Galesburg

OSF HealthCare believes it might be among the first health systems in the state to offer this level of AI-supported maternal and fetal monitoring, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and safety.

“Every mom and baby deserves the highest standard of care. This new technology ensures that we are watching over them even more closely, supporting our Mission to serve with the greatest care and love,” Johnson added.  

B-roll-OSF OnCall monitoring of Family Birthing Units