The quick answer: probably not. Although the term ‘pager replacement’ comes up a lot these days when smartphones are mentioned, the truth is that pagers will be around for a while. So will Wi-Fi phones like SpectraLink and Cisco. And Vocera badges. And all of these tools will need to be supported alongside smartphones. More likely than not, we’ll see this varied mix for years to come.
When it comes to smartphones, they probably won’t ever replace 100% of the pagers in hospitals. The rock-solid reliability of pagers in code call situations comes to mind. But a lot of organizations are putting plans in place to incorporate smartphones in addition to pagers and other devices. Particularly in the case of physicians, there is definitely a movement afoot to simplify communications in this way. This is largely because it’s easier for them (as well as certain other staffers) to carry a single smartphone versus a whole tool belt full of buzzing gadgets.
Above all, there are a few keys to remember. Communications have to reach the right person, at the right time, on the right device. The end device shouldn’t matter. What matters is that the message can be easily and quickly sent to and received by the person who needs the information. Having one system messaging to pagers and another to smartphones is illogical and even dangerous when lives are at stake; precious time can be lost in the shuffle. The systems doing the communicating need to function as a hub to work effectively within this diverse new world.
So with all of these different devices floating around, IT teams need to rely on an integrated system behind the scenes. They need to check all the boxes next to a list that includes things like keeping physicians happy, protecting patients, supporting smartphones regardless of service provider, and making sure all communications flow at lightning speed.
Don’t worry. It can be done. Here at Amcom we’re working with hospitals right now to revolutionize their communications in just this way.
So what’s your take on this? What devices are you seeing in your facility? What are you supporting today? What do you see coming?
Leave us some comments below, and please be sure to check out the previous blog entry if you haven’t already.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
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I have participated in hundreds of conversations with healthcare providers over the past few years - doctors, nurses, technical and licensed professional support staff.... The only thing that is clear regarding wireless communication devices is that there is no single endpoint which all agree on. The ability for a healthcare provider to standardize on a (set of) devices is limited by their ability to dictate to the employee. In most facilities, this is negligible. Hence, the need to communicate and support information access for an almost infinite number of voice/data endpoints is a necessity.
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