Wireless Technology Changing the Face of Nursing
Many hospitals around the country are expanding their use of wireless technology. With the increase in technology, nurses are becoming more tech-savvy and leveraging new tools to improve patient care.
One medical center in Ohio is utilizing a hands-free communication system to enable clinicians to call for assistance or answer pages by utilizing voice recognition. This system helps nurses effectively manage multiple tasks while increasing inter-departmental communication.
Hospitals are also using new technologies to streamline process flow and improve patient safety. Children's Hospital Boston uses a patient flow platform that has helped eliminate many manual processes and keep patients moving. The hospital is also piloting bar-coding for medication administration in three of its units. The system can sound an alert if a medication is about to be given inappropriately. This alert can allow for intervention before a medication error occurs.
One key to successfully implementing new technology in a hospital is including clinical stakeholders in the planning phases. "Nursing is at the table. They are the drivers. We've been very successful, largely because I think we're a very listening organization. We pay close attention to what is needed, rather than the next bells and whistles that technology can deliver," said Mary Alice Annecharico, M.S., CIO of University Hospitals of Cleveland.
To read more about new hospital technology and how nurses are at the forefront, click here.
Photo Credit: Backus Hospital