Nance Gustafsson (rubbrain67)

Copyright © 2020 Longwoods Publishing.BACKGROUND For decades, the main communication technology in hospitals has been the paging system. In the era of digital communication, smartphones have been adopted by hospitals seeking to modernize processes and offer real-time, two-way communication to increase efficiency. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore physicians' and nurses' perceptions of the impact of smartphones on communication and efficiency. METHODS Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to compare differences in item scores between physicians and nurses on 17 questionnaire items relating to smartphone impact on interpersonal relationships and communication, efficiency and reliability. An open-ended question was used to elicit additional feedback. RESULTS In total, 43 nurses and 27 physicians participated in the study. Nurses' ratings were significantly higher than physicians' on a number of questionnaire items, including the following smartphones have a positive impact on efficiency (Mdn = 4.0 vs. 3.0, U = 321.0, p = 0.027, r = .33), smartphones increase my accessibility to physicians (Mdn = 5.0 vs. 3.0, U = 277.0, p = 0.009, r = 0.42) and smartphones reduce interruptions versus pagers (Mdn = 4.0 vs. 2.0, U = 224.0, p > 0.0001, r = 0.47). CONCLUSION The findings suggest that smartphone technology may reduce the locus of control for physicians, potentially limiting their ability to prioritize patients' needs and manage workflow efficiently. Copyright © 2020 Longwoods Publishing.BACKGROUND Humber River Hospital has implemented a real-time location system (RTLS) within the operating room in order to provide real-time information about patients' status and manage the many components involved during the perioperative journey. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore both physicians' and family members' perceptions of the functionality and efficiency of the RTLS within the perioperative environment. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with physicians and patients' family members to elicit various perspectives regarding the use of RTLSs throughout the perioperative process. Interviews were recorded and transcribed to extract key themes. RESULTS Three themes gleaned from physician interviews were system weaknesses, perceptions of potential benefit, and benefits to family members. Three themes uncovered from family member interviews included convenience, ameliorating anxiety, and reducing interruptions. CONCLUSION Overall, physicians reported that the RTLS had potential to enhance workflow but that significant improvement regarding its implementation and use was needed to reach its full benefit. Family members were unanimous that it provides them with all the tracking information they desire. Copyright © 2020 Longwoods Publishing.BACKGROUND Electronic medical record (EMR) and electronic health record (EHR) are used interchangeably to describe a computerized medical information system that collects, stores and displays patient information (Boonstra and Broekhuis 2010). Blumenthal and Tavenner (2010) suggested that computerized medical implementation improves decision-making and patient management. As part of its EMR, Humber River Hospital has implemented electronic order sets (EOSs) by building them into the computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system. Electronic prescribing renders paper prescriptions obsolete as it reduces errors; increases accuracy; and enhances efficiency, compliance and record-keeping (Canada Health Infoway 2017). OBJECTIVE The aim of this research was to explore physicians' perspectives and experiences using EOSs. METHODS This qualitative study examined the perceptions of various physicians on the impact of EOSs. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with eligible physicians. Domains explored included usability, efficiency, safety and implications for the physician profession. RESULTS Major themes that emerged included usability, efficiency and safety