Everything You Need To Know About Nurse Call Systems

by: Walking Stick Mobility
June 2024
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Choosing the appropriate nurse call system solution is one of the most effective ways to maximize your capabilities as a healthcare provider, whether you work in a hospital, care facility, or another type of health organization. However, what types of nurse call systems are available to you? What distinguishing features do they have, and which ones work best in specific healthcare scenarios? All of these questions and more are covered in this blog post, helping you decide which nurse call system best suits your requirements.

A nurse call system: what is it?

A nurse call system is equipment used in hospitals, assisted living facilities, or other healthcare environments that allows patients to communicate with nurses or medical professionals when they need assistance or support. Typically, users activate the system by pulling a cable or pressing a button, which triggers a light or sound notification alerting the nurse to the patient's need. These systems are particularly beneficial for patients who are more vulnerable to injury, such as those who have fallen and require help to get back up. They play a crucial role in ensuring timely care and assistance for patients throughout their stay in healthcare facilities.

The inception of nurse call systems can be traced back more than a century to the pioneering work of British nurse Florence Nightingale. Nightingale developed a system where patients could ring a bell outside their beds to summon nursing personnel if they needed attention. She recognized the importance of patient-nurse interaction and implemented this early form of nurse call system to facilitate timely care and communication between patients and caregivers. This innovation laid a foundation for the evolution of nurse call systems in healthcare settings over time.

It's reasonable to argue that over the last century or so, nurse call systems have advanced significantly. Today, battery-operated wireless nurse call devices have become standard in many healthcare settings. These modern systems offer greater flexibility, mobility, and reliability compared to earlier versions that relied on wired connections and simpler mechanisms like bells or lights. Wireless nurse call systems enhance communication between patients and healthcare providers, contributing to improved patient care and operational efficiency in hospitals, clinics, and assisted living facilities.

Benefits of nurse call systems

The right nurse call systems can provide your facility with a number of benefits, including:

Improved Response Times: Prompt alerts ensure caregivers can respond quickly to patient needs, enhancing overall care quality.
Enhanced Patient Safety: Immediate access to assistance reduces risks and ensures patients receive timely support in emergencies.
Efficiency in Communication: Streamlined communication channels between patients and caregivers improve operational efficiency.
Staff Satisfaction: Effective nurse call systems can contribute to better workflow management, reducing stress on nursing staff.
Integration Capabilities: Modern systems often integrate with other healthcare technologies, facilitating seamless data exchange and enhancing overall facility management.

Choosing the right nurse call system tailored to your facility's needs can optimize patient care and operational effectiveness significantly.

Safety

Nurse call systems are essential to patient care for several reasons, with patient safety being paramount. Patients can simply press a button to summon a nurse, who promptly assesses their condition and delivers necessary care if they begin to feel unwell. This immediate access to assistance helps prevent potential complications and ensures patients receive timely attention, contributing to overall safety and well-being in healthcare settings.

Similarly, having a nurse call system allows a patient to easily request assistance if they fall and are unable to get up. This capability is especially crucial for patients living independently at home or in private rooms within hospitals or assisted living facilities. Without a nurse call system, a patient could potentially remain on the ground for hours without anyone noticing their situation. The presence of a nurse call mechanism ensures that help can be summoned promptly, reducing the risk of prolonged immobility and its associated complications.

Satisfaction

It's crucial to attend to your patients' emotional well-being alongside their physical health during their time under your care. Despite recent pressures on the UK's health services, nurse call systems play a vital role in providing patients with a sense of control over their care. These systems facilitate communication between patients and caregivers, offering a platform for patients to voice any concerns or issues they may have. This transparency can lead to greater patient satisfaction, as they are informed about wait times and other aspects of their care, rather than feeling uncertain or left in the dark. Ultimately, ensuring patients feel heard and involved in their care can contribute significantly to their overall happiness and well-being during their healthcare experience.

Improved conversation

As mentioned earlier, the primary goal of nurse call systems in hospitals and care homes is to enhance staff-patient communication. Improved communication not only enhances patient comfort and ensures timely emergency care when needed, but it also allows patients to notify nurses of any changes or developments in their condition. This real-time information enables caregivers to provide the most appropriate and timely care possible, tailored to the patient's current needs. Effective staff-patient communication facilitated by nurse call systems thus plays a crucial role in optimizing patient care and overall healthcare outcomes.

Different Types of Nurse Call Systems

There are various types of nurse call system alternatives available to suit different healthcare situations, even though they share the same underlying goal. These systems can generally be categorized into three types based on their form and functionality: hybrid nurse call systems, wireless nurse call systems, and wired nurse call systems.

Each type of nurse call system has its advantages and is chosen based on factors like facility layout, budget, scalability, and specific operational requirements. Choosing the right type ensures that healthcare providers can effectively meet patient needs and enhance overall care delivery.

Wired Nurse Call Systems

The wired nurse call system is a foundational technology used for patient and nurse communication in facilities such as hospitals and care homes. It is typically recognized as one of the earliest styles of nurse call systems. This system, as its name suggests, consists of a central control panel, receiver, and nurse call button (usually positioned above the patient's bed), all connected through wired infrastructure to a nurse station.

The setup enables a two-way intercom communication between the patient and the nurse. When the patient activates the nurse call button, a signal is sent to the central control panel, which alerts the nurse station. Nurses can then respond promptly to the patient's needs or inquiries, enhancing communication efficiency and patient care within the healthcare facility.

Wired nurse call systems leverage proven and reliable technology that is widely trusted in the healthcare industry. One advantage these systems offer over wireless alternatives is potentially lower hardware installation costs, as they do not require built-in radio modules to operate.

However, wired systems come with certain rigidity absent in wireless solutions. The fixed cable termination points limit installation flexibility, making it more challenging and costly to relocate them. Additionally, the extensive wiring increases the risk of damage, and if a single point fails, it may necessitate shutting down the entire system for repairs.

Despite these challenges, wired nurse call systems remain a preferred choice for many healthcare facilities due to their reliability and established track record in providing effective communication between patients and caregivers.

Wireless Nurse Call Systems

With the pendant transmitters included in our wireless nurse call systems, patients can easily request assistance from staff members. These transmitters also serve to alert caregivers if a patient falls or attempts to move outside their designated area. This functionality provides patients with a reliable means of summoning help and ensures that caregivers are promptly notified of any urgent situations, contributing to enhanced patient safety and well-being in healthcare environments. Wireless nurse call systems offer flexibility and responsiveness, making them an effective choice for modern healthcare facilities seeking to optimize patient care and staff efficiency.

Hybrid Nurse Call Systems

The final type of nurse call system we will cover in this article is hybrid systems. As the name suggests, hybrid nurse call systems combine features from both wired and wireless systems, making them versatile for various healthcare settings and scenarios.

For example, in our Connect Health nurse call system for hospitals, call data can be transmitted either via cabled Ethernet connections or wirelessly through radio frequencies. This flexibility allows the system to adapt to different needs within a hospital environment.

Hybrid nurse call systems, such as our Connect Health product, are particularly well-suited for hospital wards that may undergo changes over time. Their modular design facilitates easy modification and adjustment to accommodate layout changes or facility expansions. This adaptability ensures that the nurse call system remains effective and efficient in supporting communication between patients and healthcare providers, regardless of evolving healthcare requirements.

Which Nurse Call System Is Best for Your Organization?

What your healthcare organization requires will dictate the most suitable nurse call system for your needs. If you're considering implementing a nurse call system in your hospital or care facility, please reach out to Walking Stick Mobility. Our team of engineers and experts is available to guide you through the process and assist you in making an informed decision.

Alternatively, you can visit our Support Hub, where you'll find a wealth of information including how-to videos, user guides, and additional contact details. This resource will help you gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of nurse call systems and support you in selecting the right solution for your healthcare environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to do a nurse call?

In case a patient requires assistance, they can activate a dome light in the hallway and trigger an alert by pressing a button or pulling a call cord. The system is designed to indicate different conditions by flashing lights in various colors depending on the nature of the emergency call. The patient station is equipped to initiate calls, enabling both patients and caregivers to communicate effectively in healthcare settings. This setup ensures timely response and appropriate care delivery based on the specific needs communicated through the nurse call system.

What are the benefits of a nurse call system?

A nurse-patient call system can significantly improve the overall patient experience by several means. Firstly, it reduces wait times by enabling patients to promptly summon assistance when needed. This enhances efficiency and ensures that patients receive timely care, which is crucial for their well-being and satisfaction.

Secondly, the system facilitates clear and effective communication between patients and medical personnel. Patients can easily convey their needs and concerns, allowing caregivers to respond appropriately and provide personalized care. This communication capability fosters a supportive environment where patients feel heard and cared for, contributing to their overall happiness and comfort during their healthcare experience.

Lastly, by ensuring prompt and individualized care, the nurse-patient call system enhances the credibility and reputation of the healthcare facility. Patients and their families perceive the facility as responsive and dedicated to their well-being, which enhances trust and satisfaction. This positive experience not only benefits current patients but also contributes to attracting new patients and maintaining a strong reputation in the community.

In conclusion, a well-implemented nurse-patient call system plays a crucial role in improving patient experience, satisfaction, and the overall effectiveness of healthcare delivery in any facility.

Is the nurse call system a medical device?

Recent international revisions to the definitions and regulations governing medical devices have classified nurse call systems as medical devices. This classification reflects their integral role in patient care within healthcare settings. As medical devices, nurse call systems are subject to regulatory standards aimed at ensuring their safety, performance, and effectiveness in facilitating communication between patients and healthcare providers. This recognition underscores the importance of nurse call systems in supporting quality healthcare delivery and patient safety worldwide.

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Everything You Need To Know About Nurse Call Systems – Walking Stick Mobility