THE IMPACT OF A WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM ON TIME EFFICIENCY

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.