With the increased acuity of patients and the resultant complexity of
care required, effective and efficient communication among patients, n
urses, and physicians is a critical variable in patient outcomes. In r
ecognition of the need for rapid communication between health professi
onals, University Hospital in Denver, Colorado, instituted a wireless
telecommunication system on two medical-surgical nursing units. Evalua
tion research of this innovation in practice revealed a significant ti
me savings by both nurses and clerical staff members. This time saving
s translates into improved patient care because skilled personnel have
more time available for direct patient care.