MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
environments. Check that the mobile devices feature indoor and outdoor location technologies, including those enabled by Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), making them low-cost and easy to install. There are also ‘man-down’ and ‘no- movement’ features and alarms that automatically transmit alerts should the handset drop suddenly or remain motionless. To protect lone workers at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, pull-cord alarms were installed in every ward, with ‘man-down’ software that identifies staff at immediate risk, and their location, via handsets. Importantly, the system is controlled independently, and provides a log of every event for reporting, quality review, and improvement.
Ease of use and after-sales options Mobile devices are indispensable for today’s healthcare workforce. They are portable, offer quick access to information and multimedia resources, enable two-way communication, and can be completely tailored to a specific setting. Make sure that the supplier/ manufacturer you choose offers a collaborative approach to its products and solutions, as this relationship doesn’t stop when the devices are shipped and installed: choose a mobile device provider whose solutions have that degree of versatility, and make sure that they are able to offer a bespoke, full after-sales service contract.
The above guide is built on years of experience of supporting busy healthcare and care home clients, and is just a starting point when considering adopting or expanding mobile technology in a clinical setting.
Supporting frontline staff with purpose-built solutions
COVID-19 has changed the way the world works, and we cannot predict its long- term impact. It is, however, quite obvious that technology will play a critical part in our future ‘normal’. NHS Trusts need to know that commercial partner companies can respond quickly and efficiently to changing environments and demands prompted by events that are out of their control.
In consultation with an NHS Trust in south-east England, we developed a patient – carer communication solution that is currently being used in the Trust’s ICU, where staff are caring for COVID-19 patients. Working with other ‘tech’ companies that produce ‘single sign-in’ and video/voice comms, our handhelds are enabling clinicians to run ‘virtual’ ward rounds, and relatives to see and speak to their loved ones in intensive care. The system had to be built and programmed entirely offsite in order to comply with the current UK safety regulations for
The Ascom mobile range: Myco smartphones, and IP DECT D81 and VoWIFI i62 and i63 handsets.
COVID-19, with an easy ‘plug and play’ remote installation too.
The ‘face’ of the system The ‘face’ of the system is our robust, enterprise-grade, handset, i63, that delivers exceptional network and roaming performance. Used in conjunction with our own messaging platform, the handsets become an effective communication tool between the patients and the carers where traditional hospital nurse calls cannot be implemented, due to the basic infrastructure of field hospitals and ad hoc locations. Equipped with both voice and text messaging communication, the handset is easy to disinfect using most common disinfectants. The system can be pre- configured remotely, installed within two weeks, and comes with immediate user training and ongoing support. It can support up to 5,000 mobile devices, making it perfect for small or big workforces.
How does it work? n Every patient has an Ascom i63 handset – attached to their bed, and the patient activates a call via a button on the handset.
n The handset has a pre-configured alarm button that sends an alert to a similar handset held by every clinician you choose. The Ascom messaging platform knows which handset has activated a call, and distributes a message out to the relevant responders.
n They can return to the patient immediately, or speak to them via the handset, while notifying other staff that they are dealing with the patient call.
n Staff can easily contact eachother wherever they are. A ‘voice gateway’ has been put into the solution to allow speech between Ascom i63 handsets. This allows caregivers to communicate with each other, and with the patients if required.
A better outcome for their patients is the July 2020 Health Estate Journal 43
goal of every clinician. Mobile devices are convenient, enable better clinical decisions, increase efficiency and productivity, and ensure the safety and well-being of clinicians. As their features and uses develop even further, they will become part of every aspect of clinical practice. Make sure you partner with a company that can respond quickly and efficiently, offering flexibility and innovation when the unexpected happens, and one that can quickly develop and implement a system that truly addresses the needs of your clinicians, and enables them to do their job better, faster, and safer.
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Paul Lawrence
Paul Lawrence joined Ascom in 2015, and has over 39 years’ experience working within IT, communication, and software service-providers. With a successful track record in transforming profitability across a range of organisations and sectors via a combined strategic, customer, and cross-functional team delivery focus, he has played a key role in transforming Ascom, and leading its success in the healthcare market.
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