A Queensland government trial of wireless mobile devices in an e-health setting has resulted in significant time savings for doctors.
The first phase of the trial, which involved about 20 doctors at Gold Coast Hospital’s Robina campus, looked to assess the impact of wireless devices on patient care.
The trial was based on the Motion C5, a tablet PC with an integrated barcode scanner, RFID reader and digital camera. The device provided information to health professionals as they performed clinical duties at the patient’s bedside.
Motion Computing, the vendor involved in the project, says the devices have resulted in improvements in delivery and quality of care, as well as staff productivity, with doctors saving between 30 and 60 minutes a day since they don’t have to leave patients to record or access data.
Also, the incidence of redundant tests was reduced due to immediate access to patient information at the point of care.
“Having closely collaborated with Queensland Health, we are pleased with these initial results from the C5 study at the Robina Hospital,” said Brett Gross, Motion’s regional manager, Australia and New Zealand.
The next phase of the trial will involve the use of the device by other professional groups, including senior ward nurses, clinical pharmacists and emergency staff.