On TechRepublic: 12 tech terms that make you sound old
BNET Business Network:
BNET
TechRepublic
ZDNet

By Julian Goldsmith, silicon.com
Posted on ZDNet News: Jul 30, 2008 4:55:48 AM

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has saved the equivalent of 4,000 emergency department staff hours per year with an internal Star Trek-style wireless voice communicator.

The network, which is supplied by Vocera and is accessed by a pendant-like device, has been installed at the Royal Victoria Hospital Emergency Department in December 2007.

The department's doctors, nurses, ward clerks, bed managers and medical secretaries all use the devices to contact other staff by stating their name or function. As a result, medical professionals at the hospital are spending less time trying to find a phone line or leaving the premises to call up their peers.

In a study of the roll out conducted by Kinetic Consulting, 40 per cent of doctors and 60 per cent of nurses reported fewer interruptions while providing care for patients.

In a statement, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust said: "This study has allowed us to evaluate where we need to develop our communications. The advantage for us is having a system in place to continue the progression and patients are seeing better service as a result. Through the use of technology our staff can do their jobs more efficiently."

SponsoredWhite Papers, Webcasts, and Downloads

  • Talkback
  • Most Recent of 8 Talkback(s)
RE: 'Star Trek' communicators free up doctors' time
I also use vocera at my hospital. Using it comes down to good education on how to use it right.
It is able to learn your speech pattern.
It can also be used as a walkie talkie that will connect you directly to your group.
I think it is great to use.
Beam me up!!... (Read the rest)
Posted by: joed1955 Posted on: 08/04/08 You are currently: a Guest | | Terms of Use
Smart  mford66215 | 07/30/08
RE: 'Star Trek' communicators free up doctors' time  ron.dike@... | 07/30/08
Did I miss Something?  bobiroc | 07/30/08
Its WiFi, Vocera only do WiFi  alistair_GB | 07/30/08
I stand corrected  bobiroc | 07/30/08
RE: 'Star Trek' communicators free up doctors' time  whansen90 | 07/30/08
I use this and it's great!  doodlius | 08/04/08
RE: 'Star Trek' communicators free up doctors' time  joed1955 | 08/04/08

What do you think?

advertisement

White Papers, Webcasts, and Downloads

  • Smart Tech Expert advice on innovations in healthcare and the green technologies that make it happen. Find out more
  • Smart Business Discussion and advice on management issues that revolve around making your world smarter and more useful. More Smart Advice
  • Smart People The best and worst moves in the management and strategy trenches. Learn More