As a proven leader in providing positive patient experiences, Woman’s Hospital has implemented a new technology that allows nurses more time to engage with patients, minimizes noise disturbances and distractions, and promotes a safer environment. Rather than wheeling clunky workstations in and out of patient rooms, nurses can now use a smartphone or handheld mobile device to access patient charts and information and to administer medications using barcode scanners.
“As a hospital that delivers 8,000 babies a year, finding innovative approaches to enhance the postpartum care we provide is always a priority,” said Cheri Johnson, chief nursing officer of Woman’s Hospital. “Our patients will not only benefit from a more peaceful environment during their stay, but they also receive the added benefit of features to help prevent medical errors and reduce risks.”
The new technology is Meditech’s Expanse Point of Care system, designed to mobilize clinical workflows using streamlined chart navigation, intuitive documentation, customizable worklists, and safe medication administration utilizing barcode technology. The software provides nurses with real-time notifications of overdue medications, orders, care interventions, and out-of-range lab values.
“This is something the nurses have been requesting and we are so excited to provide this innovative technology at the bedside,” Johnson added. “The nurses are amazed at the ease of use and ability to continue to ensure patient safety. They can also save time by documenting their assessments through the device which transfers to the medical record.”
Woman’s Hospital is only the second hospital to go live with this software. Nurses administered more than 3,000 scheduled medications using the new devices in the first week of launch.
Callie Pujol, pictured here, was one of the first patients at Woman’s Hospital to benefit from the techcnology.