Aim: Describe virtual home assistant use and usefulness from the perspective of older adults and their support persons. Methods: This was a mixed-methods study with older adults and their support persons (n = 10 dyads). Virtual home assistant (VHA) equipment was installed in participants’ homes, and its use was documented for 60 days. Participants received protocol-guided telephone calls to address their VHA questions or problems. The type and frequency of VHA use were summarized with descriptive statistics. End-of-study interviews about VHA use were conducted with dyad participants. Qualitative content analyses were used to describe the interview findings about the dyad’s perceptions of using the VHA, how it was used, any difficulties experienced, and suggestions for future VHA uses. Results: Participant dyads reported positive VHA perceptions, including the potential for VHAs to promote aging in place. Participants discussed the challenges learning the technology and replacing old habits with new ones. Participants offered recommendations for future VHA skills and for more education and training about using the VHA. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that VHAs may be useful for older adults as they age in place and offer reassurance for support persons.

The rich data suggest a significant opportunity for reducing risk and harm by more actively engaging patients and families in the effort. Increasing patient acuity and complexity of care furthers the need for partnering with patients and families more intentionally for increased safety.

Bedside reporting improves client safety and trust and facilitates nursing teamwork and accountability; however, many nurses do not consider it best practice when caring for their clients. A literature review was conducted to determine whether bedside report is an essential shift handover process that promotes both client and nursing satisfaction. Implications for nurses in professional development are discussed, and strategies for developing and implementing bedside report using Lewin's theory of planned change are provided.