Constant Observation
This handout explains the use of constant observation and how it keeps you safe.
What is Constant Observation?
Your healthcare team feels that for your
safety you should be watched closely. A
member of the nursing team will help keep
you safe during this time.
does not take the place of nursing care, but
is used as an extra step to keep patients safe.
A nursing assistant will come in to assist in
daily cares, such as bathing, dressing,
toileting, eating.
There are 3 different types of Constant
Observation:
 Video Monitoring
 Patient Safety Observers
 Patient Safety Attendants
What is a Patient Safety Attendant?
A Patient Safety Attendant (PSA) is a
nursing assistant that will sit in your room to
keep you safe. S/he will also perform your
daily cares, such as bathing, dressing,
toileting and eating.
What is Video Monitoring?
Video Monitoring is a system with a video
camera and 2-way speaker system. This
allows a trained nursing assistant to watch
you more closely and speak with you to help
keep you safe. Please see Health Facts for
You #7768 for more information.
What is a Patient Safety Observer?
The Patient Safety Observer (PSO) is part of
the nursing team, but is not a nursing
assistant. The PSO works closely with the
nursing staff and will share any concerns or
needs with the nurse right away. The PSO
Will I have privacy with Constant
Observation?
For safety reasons, a patient with Constant
Observation cannot be left alone. Even if
visitors are in the room, we must remain
close to the patient. The health care team
will make sure patients have privacy and
comfort for self-cares.
How long will I be monitored?
Your healthcare team will decide when it is
safe to stop using constant observation.
Your health care team may have given you this information as part of your care. If so, please use it and call if you
have any questions. If this information was not given to you as part of your care, please check with your doctor. This
is not medical advice. This is not to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Because each
person’s health needs are different, you should talk with your doctor or others on your health care team when using
this information. If you have an emergency, please call 911. Copyright ©5/2016. University of Wisconsin Hospitals
and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7900.