The continuous situational awareness of the nursing staff is essential for patient safety, especially in the ICU and Cardiac Care Unit, where changes in the patient’s condition can be rapid and dramatic. In Vaasa Central Hospital, situational awareness is enhanced by increasing the focus on smart technology.
According to Anna Cederholm, head nurse of the ICU and Cardiac Care Unit at Vaasa Central Hospital, the new technology significantly improves both patient safety and well-being of the nursing staff.
- However, this requires that the technology serves the actual needs of its users and performs as planned. If the technology is lagging, it can even become a strain on staff," says Cederholm.
Cederholm would like to thank Ascom for the Ascom Clinical Consultation concept, which involves the care staff to the design of technology solutions.
"When the needs and wishes of the care staff are listened to at the planning stage, the result is usually successful. Participating in the planning also helps to understand how the new technology aims to make the care work easier. This in turn motivates to learn to use new systems and promotes their adoption."
It feels like Ascom is a company that is ready to listen to our wishes.
The solution that facilitates care work includes nurse calls and device alerts. As medical devices continuously communicate up-to-date information directly to a smartphone in a nurse’s pocket, the nurse is also aware of the patient’s condition outside the care room.
"Our glass-walled patient rooms are situated on a 60 meter long corridor. They are single rooms and soundproofed to provide patients with a quiet environment to support recovery. But for care work, this environment is challenging.
Increased situational awareness has therefore improved patient safety and reduced the stress experienced by nurses of missing something essential. In addition, patients have an increased sense of security when they know they have the option of being able to speak to their nurse at any time."
Cederholm also highlights the personal safety feature of Myco smartphones for nurses.
"Unfortunately, from time to time we face aggressive patients and situations where help is urgently needed. One of the most important features of Myco smartphones is the function that allows security guards to be alerted by just pressing a button on the phone."
In her work, the head nurse often says that she is thinking of new technological applications or expanding existing solutions.
"I guess I am a woman who likes comfort, as I think that technology should be used whenever possible," Cederholm laughs.
The cooperation with Ascom has been fruitful for Cederholm, who has been actively involved in the development of new solutions.
"It feels like Ascom is a company that is ready to listen to our wishes and develop new solutions by listening to the care staff."