Improving Point-Of-Care with Mobile Technology for Nurses
The future of healthcare relies on clinical mobility. And nowhere is that clearer than in the job of a nurse. Nurses face many challenges on the front line dealing with patients in any hospital or healthcare environment. Mobile devices, particularly the Zebra Technologies TC51-HC and TC52-HC touch screen computers, can help nurses do their jobs better, with more efficiency and fewer chances for error. Here is a look at how those devices improve point-of-care for nurses:
Easy-To-Use Enterprise Mobile Computers
Although the TC51-HC and TC52-HC are touch screen computers, you’d think they are consumer smartphones by their designs. However, don’t let their design fool you. These touch screen computers are made for rugged environments like a hospital ward. They feature enterprise-class features that allow them to do much more than a smartphone. Since they are designed like smartphones, nurses will find them easy to use, mainly because they are powered by an Android operating system. There’s a good chance many of your staff already use Android phones, so there’s virtually no training time needed. Instead, the interface will make it easy to use interactive apps that are required to care for patients. Deploying the TC51-HC or TC52-HC is relatively easy as the Android OS platform makes it seamless to load apps onto the device. With Android, the devices are also “future-proofed,” so they will be ready to handle future apps and upgrades like artificial intelligence. Both models come with a 5-inch display that allows nurses to view critical patient data and apps without difficulty. Each model has a multitouch screen that works when wet, with a gloved finger, or by using a stylus.
Reducing Errors Through Better Patient Identification
Despite the many challenges facing healthcare, technological solutions are available to help solve problems and provide better care. One area where the power of technology is most evident is in patient identification. More hospitals are investing in devices like Zebra’s TC51-HC and TC52-HC and using digital solutions to increase the accuracy of patient identification. Patient identification is a significant issue. The Health Information and Management Systems Society reports that up to 14 percent of medical records have data that could be dangerous to a patient due to incorrect patient identification. Healthcare facilities can ensure accurate data with a proper wristband and data capture system. Zebra offers wristbands which can be scanned by the TC51-HC and TC52-HC to enable caregivers to not only have access to information at the point of care, but also add to electronic health records. The TC51-HC and TC52-HC scanning capabilities are the best in their class. Zebra provides advanced scanning technology and the PRZM Intelligent Imaging Platform to deliver fast capture of printed and electronic barcodes in any virtually any condition. Those conditions include surfaces like medicine vials and medical bags. Whether a nurse needs to scan with an expanded working range or up close, Zebra’s devices provide quality, reliable scans every time.
One Device for Many Solutions
Another advantage to using the TC51-HC or TC52-HC is that it allows a nurse to use one device instead of having to carry multiple devices around during a shift. Your nurses get mobile computing power, clinical collaboration, and data capture with Zebra’s healthcare devices. With either the TC51-HC or TC52HC, nurses can make a clear voice call and conduct secure text messaging. The camera allows them to take ultra-high-resolution photos and videos to document patient conditions, including flash optimization to make it easy to take photos in any lighting condition. The devices also feature critically important mobile alarms and alerts, along with other features.
Interacting with Patients
One thing technology can never replace is the face-to-face interaction between a nurse and a patient. However, if a nurse is forced to use multiple, cumbersome devices at the bedside, device burden can impact patient care. By using devices with integrated voice and data, nurses can reclaim 2 to 6 hours per week. With the T51-HC and TC-52-HC, they also have a direct link to patient records and can quickly address issues at a patient’s bedside. All this leads to increased efficiency and, most importantly, better patient outcomes. To learn more from our healthcare experts, contact ACS MediHealth today!
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