For instance, a nurse may be responding to a code blue alert when she or he receives an urgent request from a patient for Tylenol. In such situations, a hospital can leverage an intelligent communication platform that is “aware” of which clinicians are busy with patient care and should not be disturbed, who is close by and can respond, and even who is licensed to perform particular tasks. By contrast, isolated point solutions or siloed communication systems can create a chaotic environment, placing undue pressure on clinicians contributing to alarm fatigue and burnout.

An integrated communication and collaboration platform has much to offer hospitals trying to create a real-time health system and improve patient safety. A single communication platform can simplify clinical workflows, reduce interruption fatigue and cognitive overload, and improve patient safety. It can also coordinate clinical collaboration across ambulatory and post-acute care environments, making patient handoffs safer and more efficient. In any care setting, effective communication and real-time situational awareness can help clinicians mitigate safety risks, while making their lifesaving work much easier.


About the author: Dr. Benjamin Kanter is the chief medical information officer of Vocera.

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