Productivity and patient care could be improved by remote IT access for community health workers.
Is it the end of the clipboard in hospitals?
Mobile technology for community health workers could increase productivity by a quarter, reduce travel time by a third, and improve patient care, according to the results of an NHS trial.A three-month pilot run by Nottinghamshire Health Informatics Service allowed community clinicians and therapists to securely access clinical systems and patient records on the move.Electronic versions of NHS forms were downloaded on staff’s PDA, to enable them to complete patient forms remotely. Such forms and patient records can be completed off-line and in remote locations. User’s were given PDA’s to carry out their daily patient checks.
iGroup’s ‘Dynamic Forms’ can assist the NHS, as the device allows real time access allowing nurses to respond to referrals while on their rounds. Using a paper system, if a patient requires a blood test, they must wait until a nurse comes off their rounds to see the note. The nurse can receive the request and respond immediately.
"Because a quicker blood test means a quicker diagnosis and quicker treatment, people can get out - and no one wants to be in hospital," said Salford staff nurse Jenny Quilliam.The results of the trial showed the potential for a 25 % increase in productivity, reduction in travel times of 32 %, with the potential to reduce commuting by 50 %.On average 96 % of patient notes were completed on the day - without mobile working, there is typically a delay of up to 48 hours as workers report back to the office to write up notes.Users perceived an average of 70 % improvement in facilities to do their job.
‘The mobility trial has helped to transform the way community clinicians and therapists work,’ said Stuttle.‘Users have access to real-time information, enabling them to plan their day better and have direct contact with colleagues and hospitals. This solution is helping to deliver the highest quality care for patients.’
With iGroup's solution, ‘Dynamic Forms’, which will help increase productivity in the NHS and reduce travel times, as well as giving maximum ROI will mean to end of hospital clip boards.
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