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Clinical Improvement/Innovation

2 - Smartphone Use by Nurses in the Operating Room: A Quality Improvement Study

Location: Hall E
Disclosure(s):
Melissa Aeschlimann, MS, RN, N.E.-B.C: No financial relationships to disclose
Heather J. Carmack, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose
Dawn Finnie, MPA: No financial relationships to disclose
Tage L. Runkle, M.A., PMP: No financial relationships to disclose
Amy White, DNP, RN, CNOR: No financial relationships to disclose
Xuan Zhu, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose


Description:

Assessment: A qualitative research study focused on communication across the surgical practice conducted at our institution revealed breakdowns in communication due to lack of consistency in technology and processes. Staff were looking for consistent communication technology. The iPhone was chosen due to perceived ease of use and successful implementation in other practice areas.

Description of team: Members of the research study team collaborated with a project team consisting of a communication researcher, project manager, qualitative data analyst, and quantitative data analyst.

Preparation and planning: The team met bi-weekly to develop an implementation plan, which included evaluation metrics, technology education materials and training, and assessment surveys.

Implementation: We initiated an implementation project assessing the use of iPhones for communication with 24 circulating nurses and 3 team leads at one location. A control group consisting of 25 circulating nurses from another area provided additional insight into communication challenges. Training sessions were offered, with weekly support from an RN clinical educator and regular team meetings. Survey data was collected prior to the intervention to create a baseline, and at 3, 6, and 9 month intervals.

Outcome: Staff are using the iPhones for a variety of communication pathways, including clinical applications, Teams messaging/calling, notes, email, supply scanning and scheduling. Initial challenges included staff concerns about dead zones in the hospital and user error. Targeted education helped to reduce staff concerns about using iPhones and apps.

Implications for perioperative nursing: Mobile technology allows the perioperative team to communicate with ease and flexibility, which could lead to increased satisfaction and improved work unit culture.