DIGITAL SOLUTIONS
relieve pressure on the staff, are secure, and offer reasonable cost-benefits calculations for operators. Additionally, sustainability is another key aspect. Future developments need to be kept in mind in the planning and realising phases of a project. Conventional systems and singular solutions can no longer satisfy complex demands regarding functionality and life cycle costs. The integration of systems via well-engineered IP technology creates extensive opportunities, while a multitude of independent systems also carries the risk of multiple sources of errors and usually means a costly process of maintenance. A single integrated, powerful, and elaborate system on the other hand increases security and lowers costs. The fact of the matter is that only fully implemented IP-based solutions are able to cover all the needs in a healthcare facility, from doctors and nurses to administration and technical service down to the patients’ devices. Like our own products Visocall IP and Visocall Mobile, the best available systems on the market offer communications, organisation, care, information, and entertainment as well as services in one combined platform. The call function enables communication between patients and staff but also among nurses and ensures quick and reliable help in all situations. Contactless smart cards with RFID sensors register the presence of staff and patients in a room. Mobile staff support allows forwarding of alarms, calls, and error messages to mobile devices like smart phones, tablets, DECT and Wi-Fi phones. The technology also offers new possibilities regarding the collection and organisation of care data directly at the patients’ bed, including information on clinical pictures and therapy. In addition, audio management functions enable remote announcements to the patients’ rooms. Patients themselves have the opportunity to use VoIP telephony, access the internet and internal networks, as well as multimedia apps for entertainment, information, and service. A variety of interfaces and protocols
make it possible to interconnect these IP systems to even more functionalities like billing systems, room controls, fire alarm systems, heating and ventilation systems, and much more. The advantages for operators of healthcare facilities are manifold: an increase in care quality, a
Exchanging information digitally eases the burden on health care personnel.
reduction of costs, more transparency for management-level staff, and less administrative tasks for the regular staff, which in turn leads to more time with the patients.
Relieving the staff optimises their performance Modern hospital communication systems lessen the burden on all personnel involved in patient care. Self-reliant patients can conduct simple services by themselves while mobile apps increase staff mobility and help to avoid unnecessary detours by sending specifically targeted alarms. A study shows that about a third of patients using their ‘bells’ have roundabout requests like wanting a drink or just want to ask general questions.1
Modern call systems make
precise information available on mobile devices and are easy to use, supporting the staff at setting priorities. Additionally, the remote call function helps personnel to optimise and reduce their walking distances which in turn saves not only time but also resources. The effect is proven – staff walking
distances can be reduced by 30 to 50 per cent by providing them with sufficient data.1
Every step less means more time for
quality care and for the patients’ wellbeing. This in turn leads to happier patients and personnel over time. Another positive aspect of direct voice-to-voice communication can be the reduction of personal visits in certain situations, e.g. when infectious diseases dictate greater distances between nurses and patients. In
The patients of tomorrow expect highly modern facilities that not only offer excellent medicinal and nursing quality but also a high level of comfort
IFHE DIGEST 2023
addition, this type of communication system also makes it possible to calm down patients over the phone while on the way to their rooms by reassuring them that they are in good hands and that help is on the way. In the end, its features and its
configuration decide how much relief a communication system can provide for staff. If it has customisable system components, it can be adjusted to the specific demands of a healthcare facility. Staff terminals with lucid displays, touchscreens, easy-to-digest text information, and icons make daily routines easier. Having the opportunity to use call prioritisation features enables staff to react swiftly and precisely, for example in case of heart alarms or emergency calls. This makes patients not only feel secure, but also reduces the stress levels of the responsible staff members. Contactless exchange of information via RFID sensors also adds to the staff relief – doctors, nurses, and service personnel can use chip cards to easily document attendance and performed tasks in patient rooms, optimising daily working routines and thereby supporting quality management. Besides featuring interfaces for DECT and Wi-Fi phones, leading communication systems also support the use of current generation devices like smartphones and tablets. These ease the staff burden even further by being failsafe, having big, clear displays, and by providing location- independent information. Every event can be recorded on a server, improving both administration and documentation. Ideally, operators of healthcare facilities can access this data by password and then use it for different applications. In German-speaking countries, the independent standard regulation DIN VDE 0834 is a good way assess the quality of nurse call systems. Although German in origin, this standard is widely used in many more countries.
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