The general concept of the nurse call system hasn’t changed much since its introduction of a mere bell that the patient rang to alert the attending nurse. The concept was to bring better communication between the patient and the caregiver. Over time, however, the technology and demand has drastically changed. As state laws, patient needs and patient satisfaction have changed so has the technology by which the patient and the caregiver communicate; and all for the better for both. Here we will explore some of the technological changes and the benefits they bring.

  1. Wireless technology and compatibility
    In an ever-increasing wireless world, one aspect of the changes in nurse call systems is the movement toward wireless technology and mobile compatibility. Nurses are constantly on the move and need technology that moves with them. In some applications, like long-term care, nurse call systems include apps that work off of smartphones and tablets; allowing for greater convenience and ease of use. On a wireless device, a caregiver could have scheduled alerts, communication with other staff or direct a call to another staff member if they aren’t able to address it right away. This allows for quicker response times that makes the patient feel heard and attended to and more at ease. These things working together bring satisfaction not only to the patient, but also to the nurse providing the care.
  2. Patient flow and increased satisfaction
    Healthcare facilities want to provide the best care for their patients and one way they do that is with measurable data. The advancements in nurse call systems now allow for fully customizable call systems based that patient’s needs. Especially in long-term care, no two patients are the same, so their call systems need the flexibility to communicate well depending on what that patient’s needs are. With fully customized functionality and easy to read data collection, the facility and especially the caregiver are able to monitor and communicate with each patient on more personal level, making workflows much easier to analyze for the best care.
  3. Expanded functionality throughout the facility
    Nurse calls systems of today are no longer standalone communication technologies. Today they offer integrated technologies that work with Real-Time Locating Systems and other asset tracking technologies. Healthcare facilities can easily become patchwork in their technology and communication applications that can lead to confusion, loss of time and wasted assets.In a healthcare era of increased patient focus and satisfaction-based reimbursements, the need for more robust technologies to provide great care has increased. Patients want a direct line to their nurse, whether in acute care or long-term, and nurses want to make sure their patients are getting the best care they can provide. The technological advances in the nurse call systems have helped to answer this need while providing data-driven results that are easy to access, customize and discern.

Healthcare facilities are supposed to be places of healing and care. The nurse call systems of today help to reduce bells and tone fatigue so that patients (and nurses) have a quieter environment. Since there is a difference in a call for dietary desires and a call for a patient that has fallen, customizable call buttons  help discern how best to respond to ensure the best attention and care are given to the patient.

At Audio Acoustics, we have been providing healthcare communication solutions for nearly 40 years. We enjoy working with all sizes and types of healthcare facilities and providing fully customized integrated systems. Are you looking to improve your facilities communications and workflows with a robust nurse call system?

Nurse Call Systems