Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publisher
SRI Security Research Institute, Edith Cowan University
Place of Publication
Perth, Western Australia
Abstract
Doctor-Nurse communications are critical for patient safety and workflow effectiveness. Our research question was: What further improvements can be made to current communication systems? A variety of mobile and land based communication systems have been used and experimented with. In the study, the pager was found to be most common and more recent attempts to provide broadband capability with systems such as the iBeep. We built an alternative information system using Android phones and a software application that was customised by feedback from the medical professionals. The trial in five wards with 22 doctors and 170 nurses over one month showed marked improvement in the end users’ perception of technologies to help their work. Customising the Doctor-Nurse communication channel with role based communication applications, smart phone capabilities enhanced the efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of a time challenged work force. Nurses found they could provide more information and that it was easier to portray how unwell a patient is. Doctors found they were better able to prioritise their time and that urgent tasks were more apparent for immediate action. Each effect had beneficial work impacts
DOI
10.4225/75/57981f9831b43
Comments
3rd Australian eHealth Informatics and Security Conference. Held on the 1-3 December, 2014 at Edith Cowan University, Joondalup Campus, Perth, Western Australia.