The Next Phase of Clinical Communication Has Arrived

It is astounding that in 2017 so many hospitals and health systems still communicate like it is 1997. This topic is explored in a blog post from last year introducing TigerConnect Clinical Collaboration Platform – Pro, but it is surprising how many nurses and physicians still use pagers, VoIP phones, landline phones, and Intercoms to communicate while also spending time searching aimlessly through hallways. When mobile devices are used, sometimes in violation of HIPAA, it’s just for basic SMS notes, which is only slightly more efficient and effective than sending a page or an email.

As pointed out in TigerConnect Clinical Collaboration Platform – Standard’s recently published eBook discussing the next phase of clinical communication, these disconnected communication processes are not sustainable for organizations in a value-based payment environment. Efficient secure clinical communication is the key to reducing wasted time and labor that adds to costs, increases provider burnout and lowers patient satisfaction. In fact, a 500-bed hospital loses more than $4 million annually as a result of communication inefficiencies, according to the American College of Healthcare Executives.

A fully integrated, the mobile clinical communication platform is the answer. When care teams are connected to each other and to essential data across the enterprise through a consolidated, cohesive platform, it reduces inefficiencies, optimizes workflows and improves the timeliness of information and care delivery.

Unified platform to unify care teams
As explored in the eBook, inefficient and ineffective clinical communication is responsible for so much of what frustrates providers and patients alike. For example, the simple act of discharging a patient can needlessly extend the stay due to either waiting for a physician’s approval or for a medical assistant to transport the patient to the lobby. The patient ends up frustrated that he or she can’t go home while the hospital delays care for another patient who could occupy that bed.

A unified, secure mobile platform connects providers regardless of time or place, resulting in more prompt action. In this example, the physician, medical assistant, and other involved parties would be contacted and prepared well ahead of the discharge time to ensure a smooth care transition. This means the patient goes home on time and the bed is ready for the next admission.

With TigerConnect Clinical Collaboration Platform – Pro in place, healthcare organizations can improve workflow efficiencies, increase patient throughput, reduce the length of stay and decrease physicians’ and other providers’ wasted time. The best part? Nurses and other providers will actually want to use it because it’s simple, intuitive and makes their jobs easier.

To learn more, please download our eBook, “The next phase of clinical communications.”

 

Tags: Clinical Communications