BYOD Schemes for Nurses Increase in Popularity
BYOD schemes for physicians have proven to be incredibly popular, and so too BYOD schemes for nurses, according to a new survey recently published by Spyglass Consulting Group. The number of nurses taking personal devices to work has now exceeded two thirds: 69% of nurses now use their own mobile phones in a healthcare environment.
A number of studies and surveys have been conducted in recent months on healthcare BYOD uptake, and the results provide an interesting insight into how mobile devices are being used. Researchers have also been able to determine which of the BYOD benefits were being realized.
Absolute Software conducted research on BYOD schemes for nurses and physicians to find out what the devices were being used for. The majority of healthcare workers used their devices for staying up to date with social media, checking emails and arranging schedules. Calendar management was one of the most popular uses along with email, and both allow care team members to stay in touch and co-ordinate care. Patients benefit as a direct result.
It is not just schedule organization that the devices are useful for. 36% of nurses said they use their personal phones for accessing PHI. The devices are also commonly used to look up reference information, especially on home visits.
Make it Easier for Nurses and Patients will Benefit!
It can be hard enough to comply with hospital policies, government regulations and changing clinical processes; being able to use familiar technology can make life much easier. The research suggests that something as simple as using a personal mobile phone at work can help healthcare workers maintain a better “work-life balance”.
When BYOD schemes for nurses are properly planned and implemented there are a huge range of benefits that can be gained. Importantly for many healthcare providers, BYOD solves the problem of finding a HIPAA-compliant replacement for pagers. The devices can also be part of a new internal messaging system, allowing hospitals to replace nurse call systems.
With full integration, Smartphones and tablets could be used to order and view medical test results, no matter where the patient is being provided with care. Doctors could access patient PHI from any location, allowing telehealth services to be provided.
The future of BYOD schemes looks bright, and the benefits that can be provided are numerous. Even if all of those benefits cannot be had now, patients are already benefiting. Faster, more efficient home care is provided and doctors and nurses are happier; the latter possibly making the biggest difference of all.