Integrating smartphone communication strategy and technology into clinical practice: A mixed methods research study

Abstract

BackgroundPaging systems continue to be used by the majority of hospitals despite the nearly ubiquitous use of personal and/or corporate smartphones by hospital clinicians. Integrated multi-platform smartphone apps, such as the Vocera® Collaboration Suite (VCS), have the potential to be a reliable, efficient, and secure methods of communication in hospitals. ObjectiveTo examine the effect of VCS, on communication and the efficiency of communication between hospital clinicians. MethodsA Three-month prospective observational study was completed at two tertiary care hospitals, and one community hospital, at Island Health (Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada). Hospitalists, obstetricians, intensivists, and pharmacists piloted the VCS smartphone app in the replacement of pagers. Switchboard operators, ICU nurses, and ICU unit clerks had access to the app via a desktop computer based web console. Our primary outcome was the difference in page turnaround time before and after the implementation of VCS. We also conducted baseline and post-study surveys and measured the volume of the app׳s usage. ResultsPhysicians responded to pages faster (5.5 vs 3min; p<0.05) when using VCS compared to traditional pagers. Physicians found the app was more efficient, reduced interruptions to patient care, and 81% of physicians wanted to continue using the system. The highest reported drawback of the app was the reduction in phone battery life. ConclusionsSmartphone based communication systems, such as Vocera® Collaboration Suite, improve the speed of, and satisfaction with hospital communication when compared to pagers. Reduced phone battery life should be considered when implementing VCS.