Sentara RMH in Rockingham County, Virginia, has implemented a new system to streamline patient care by providing nurses with iPhones connected to the hospital’s record system. These smartphones serve the same function as bedside computers, allowing nurses and medical staff to communicate with each other and patients throughout the hospital in real-time.
The clinical nurse leader at Sentara RMH, Alexis Jones, acknowledged that there have been some initial challenges with the system, but overall, staff and patient reactions have been positive. Nurses appreciate the ability to receive real-time feedback, communicate with physicians more quickly, and document patient care efficiently. Patients have also benefitted from the quicker response times from the nursing staff.
Despite some initial confusion from patients who thought nurses were distracted by personal phone use, the hospital has implemented signage to inform patients about the new phone system. The iPhones are not equipped with social media apps or games and have HIPAA protections to ensure patient information is secure.
One particularly useful feature of the iPhones is the ability to take and send photos, which has been utilized for wound care to provide instant updates on a patient’s condition. The phones are hospital-owned, and staff must sign them out for use.
Overall, the introduction of iPhones for nurses at Sentara RMH has been a positive step towards improving patient care and communication within the hospital setting.
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