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PATIENT COMMUNICATION


‘The fact that so many showpiece new-build hospitals across the globe have been specified with IP-based systems indicates the extent to which the benefits of TCP/IP integration are already accepted as an effective approach to future-proofing hospital estates.’


beds to different wards and different nurses’ stations without having to make any physical changes.


A management perspective One of the most important features of an IP-based system from a management perspective is the data logging and reporting function. As hospitals face increasing pressure to provide accurate records of all bedside visits this will become even more useful and, if the IP-based nursecall system is integrated with presence detection, it is also able to provide hard data to evidence care rounding regimes by logging the time and duration of the nurse’s visit. While such


presence detection and data logging is possible using both fully IP and IP-backbone systems, without a complete source to destination IP network delivering that functionality becomes increasingly complex and reporting the information in a cohesive manner can be more difficult. These complexities arise from the way an


IP backbone system logs data. Whereas a fully IP-based system logs and stores data on a centralised basis, using its own dedicated network and firewall, the zoned nature of an IP backbone system means that data is collected on a zone by zone basis. While this data is accurate, it is fragmented, making collation and interrogation of information for


analysis and reporting purposes more complex and time-consuming. This can be overcome by transferring data across the hospital’s own network but this approach could compromise the business critical hospital network which means that it is an unpalatable solution for most health estates managers. As the ability to gain accurate, real-time


data becomes an increasingly important tool for forecasting clinical demand, meeting targets for clinical care and protecting Trusts from possible litigation, the ability to log and analyse data centrally is an advantage. Using a fully IP-based nursecall system ensures that data is collected from the entire site and can then be accessed from any terminal, which reduces the administrative burden. It also ensures that any maintenance issues are identified quickly.


The future of IP Any investment in new nursecall systems has to be weighed against investment in treatment and diagnostic tools and facilities. Often such investment comes only when the legacy system is failing or at risk of failure. However, this ‘distress purchase’ situation can offer an opportunity to upgrade both the nursecall system and the hospital’s ability to integrate new technology, management systems and communication methods, aiding any future-proofing strategy. The fact that so many showpiece new-


build hospitals across the globe have been specified with IP-based systems indicates the extent to which the benefits of TCP/IP integration are already accepted as an effective approach to future-proofing hospital estates. For those of us involved in designing IP-based systems, delivering IP’s full potential in the sector presents a very exciting opportunity. Finally, it is important to note that if you


are involved in the specification, installation or procurement of an IP nursecall system that you carry out due diligence on the companies who claim to have full IP systems. Simply ask for several references and request visits to completed installations as a part of your decision-making process.





Providing insights into the vast field of healthcare engineering and facility management


IFHE DIGEST 2013 39


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