Keywords

Barriers to adoption, Canada, Communication, Implementation, Patient outcomes, Patient safety, Portable communication, Theory of planned behavior

Authors

1. VANDENKERKHOF, ELIZABETH G. RN, DrPH
2. HALL, SUSAN RN, BN
3. WILSON, ROSEMARY RN(EC), PhD(c), ACNP, CON(C), APN/NP
4. GAY, ANN RN, MEd
5. DUHN, LENORA RN, MSc

Abstract

Wireless technology in healthcare has been associated with communication-related improvements in workflow; however, there are barriers to adoption. The purpose of this study was to assess perceptions and attitudes of staff toward the use of a wireless communication device (Vocera, Vocera Communications, Inc., San Jose, CA) and to compare communication patterns before and after implementation. A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design and the Theory of Planned Behavior were used. Attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control explained 25% of the variation in behavioral intent before and 45% of the variation in behavioral intent after Vocera implementation. The time for key communication activities was reduced by 25% overall. On average, each nurse engaged in these activities 16.2 times a day before Vocera and 11.6 times a day with Vocera. This study provides evidence that introduction of novel communication technology must account for user attitudes before implementation. Vocera improved "hand-off" communication, was perceived to be of benefit, and has the potential to improve patient safety and work environments. This may also translate to reduction in healthcare resources.