Bedside Tech Improves Doctor/Patient Connection

By Katie Wike, contributing writer

The use of mobile technology at a patient’s bedside has shown promise in opening lines of communication between doctors and patients.

In a report published by the Electronic Data Methods Forum, researchers claim mobile technologies such as tablets at bedsides of patients can help improve communication between staff and patients as well as drive patient-centered decisions.

The study focused on patients who had suffered concussions and were undergoing brain injury treatments. These patients were given a “bedside aid,” which consisted of a tablet pre-loaded with an app to be used by both the patient and their doctor.

According to Fierce Mobile Healthcare, the software allows patients to view information about their condition and read notes from their doctor. In addition, they can make notes of any issues they are having and write down questions and concerns they have for their doctor.

Researchers say technology like this could help to drive patient-centered decision support environments and ultimately lead to reducing unnecessary tests and delays in patient treatment.

“The complexity of the changing healthcare system locally, regionally and nationally and the rapid growth of knowledge in complex fields all delay EHR usability. As medicine catches up to available technologies, future electronic systems must not only be usable, but must also support knowledge and promote conversation between patients and their doctors at the bedside,” note the authors.

“This protocol can create an effective interface for shared decision-making and safe resource reduction at the bedside in the austere and dynamic clinical environment of the ED and is generalizable for these purposes in other clinical environments as well,” concluded the report.