Evaluation of a Hands-Free Communication Device in an Acute Care Setting: A Study of Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions of Its Performance

Evaluation of a Hands-Free Communication Device in an Acute Care Setting: A Study of Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions of Its Performance

Quality medical care hinges on healthcare providers being able to communicate effectively and efficiently. In this study, we examine if healthcare providers’ perceptions of the performance of a wireless communication device are consistent with what it is claimed the technology can offer, namely, imp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Computers, informatics, nursing Vol. 30; no. 3; pp. 148 - 156
Main Authors: DE GROOD, JILL, WALLACE, JEAN E, FRIESEN, STEVEN P, WHITE, DEBORAH E, GILMOUR, JANET G, LEMAIRE, JANE B
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc 01-03-2012
Subjects:
Adult
Attitude of Health Personnel
Communication
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Health Personnel - psychology
Hospital Administrators - psychology
Humans
Intensive Care Units
Male
Middle Aged
Nurses' Aides - psychology
Nursing
Nursing Evaluation Research
Nursing Methodology Research
Nursing Staff, Hospital - psychology
Patient Care Team
Perception
Qualitative Research
Quality of Health Care
Wireless Technology - instrumentation
Young Adult
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Summary:Quality medical care hinges on healthcare providers being able to communicate effectively and efficiently. In this study, we examine if healthcare providers’ perceptions of the performance of a wireless communication device are consistent with what it is claimed the technology can offer, namely, improved patient safety and quality of care. We used a mixed-methods design where we collected data from a single medical unit. During the qualitative component of the study, we conducted face-to-face interviews to explore healthcare team members’ perceptions of the impact of a wireless communication device on their day-to-day patient care activities. Three major improvements were identified from the interview datamore direct and effective communication, improved work efficiency, and enhanced continuity of patient care. The quantitative component consisted of a questionnaire constructed from the major themes extracted from the interviews. Many of the healthcare team members reported that the wireless communication device improved their communication and allowed them to complete their work more efficiently. In addition, the questionnaire findings suggest that both improved communication and work efficiency are correlated with perceptions of improved quality of patient care. Based on the results of this study, this wireless communication device does live up to its aims of enhancing communication, staff efficiency, and improving perceived patient safety.
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ISSN:1538-2931
1538-9774
DOI:10.1097/NCN.0b013e31823eb62c