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I n healthcare, every second counts and a new hands free communications device is making instant communication a reality at the St Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) in St. Thomas Ontario. The voice activated, Star Trek-like technology can be used right from the patient’s bedside and eliminates the need to recall pager numbers or carry cumbersome walkie-talkies. Often, the introduction of new technology meets with staff resistance and apprehension. Not so at STEGH where staff are lining up to be the next recipient of a voice activated, hands-free V*** badge.
V*** is a mobile telephone communication system that is worn like a necklace and allows the wearer to have a fully functional telephone with them at all times. The system works on a wireless infrastructure and provides staff with the ability to send and receive calls, send and receive messages, transfer calls to another badge or a desk phone, place calls to a group, conference or link multiple calls together, all using voice commands and ‘yes / no' buttons on the badge. The system allows staff to go about their daily routine without having to return to a nursing station or desk phone to communicate with their co-workers. With this voice activated system, a nurse can remain at the bedside, simply activate a button on the device, state the name of the person they need to speak with, and the badge dials out – no need to remember phone numbers or scan pages to find the person they need to reach.
In the spring of 2007, STEGH launched a 6-month trial of the V*** system, quickly realized the positive impact of utilizing these badges, and began rolling it out to other areas. Comments from an evaluation survey indicated this was a winner! Nursing staff reported they spent less time hunting for co-workers to take a telephone call, they felt safer when working in an isolated area, they had more time at the patient bedside, they were able to have direct contact with co-workers rather than passing messages, and their overall workload was slightly more manageable.
STEGH continues to expand the use of this system. Many of STEGH’s Unit Nurses, Ward Clerks and Housekeepers, as well as mobile X-Ray and Lab Technicians are now equipped with the system. The availability of instant communication can mean fewer delays for urgent tests, shorter waits for patients and less travel to and from their departments for staff.
The system has not only proven to be useful during routine activities, but was a real asset during a recent computer software implementation at the Hospital. Project team members wore the devices to ensure fast trouble shooting during the sensitive ‘go-live’ periods. Team members reported that the system made implementations much less stressful by providing quick and easy communication.
STEGH has found that this is a tool that allows staff to work efficiently without restricting their ability to provide great patient care.
This is truly a win-win technology for our Hospital, our staff and our patients!
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brenda lambert
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