Recommendations and Summary

Thank you for your participation and discussions on our blog.
Here is a summary of our survey results and recommendations for the future.

Total number of survey responses, (8). Total questions (10).


Question #1 - How often do you use wireless technology?
25% sometimes(2), 50% often(4), 25% always(2).

Question #2 - Is using wireless technology in health care important to you?
87.5% Yes(7), 12.5% No(1).

Comments:

• Efficiency, saves time and money, portability, flexibility, quality of care improves.
• No reason given for not being important.

Question #3 - What type or types of wireless technology are used in your place of employment?
PDA’s 50%(4), Pagers 100%(8),cell phones 100%(8), Subnotebook computer 25%(2), Bluetooth 0% and monitoring devices 37.5%(3). Other: Central Monitoring, Laptop.

Question #4- Are you satisfied with the overall usability of your workplace technology?
Yes 50%(4), No 50%(4).

Comments :

• Need wireless laptops for medication cart so meds may be signed off at point-of-care.
• Systems are often down difficult to encourage wireless when this happens.
• Need continuous IT support, technician on site 24/7 that understands health care.

Question #5 - Do you think wireless technology can contribute to employee stress and burnout?
Yes 87.5%(7), No 12.5%(1).

Comments:

• It creates a 24/7 working environment that is not healthy. Healthcare will pay for this if boundaries are not set up soon.
• Some who have not grown up with the technology may find it stressful. I find it is second nature to younger staff.
• I think it will reduce employee stress and burnout.
• Employees available 24/7.

Question #6-Have you ever noticed "work-related" information on social networking sites like facebook or MySpace?
Yes 37.5%(3), No 62.5%(5).

Comments:

• Have not noticed as yet but if did would let them know infringing on someone's privacy.
• Have noticed work complaints. Have not been involved myself.
• Talked with staff member.

Question #7 - In your opinion, what do you feel is the most positive result of wireless technology as it relates to health care?
Improved quality of patient care 62.5%(5), Improved patient data collection 50%(4), Employee flexibility 25%(2), Mobility and portability of patient information 75%(6), Improved sense of employee time management 65.5%(5), Improved access to health care providers 62.5%(5).

Question #8 - Are you “connected” to work-related wireless technologies even on
your days “away” from your health care environment?
Yes 62.5%(5), No 37.5%(3).

Question #9 - If you were to wave a magic wand, what recommendations would you make towards proceeding with wireless technologies and healthcare?
6 answered question and 2 skipped question

Comments:

• Keep in mind principles of security and friendliness during development.
• All documentation at bedside.
• Ensure safety, confidentiality and security are legislated. Need appropriate training for using technology and importance of privacy and confidentiality.
• Link all physicians offices with healthcare centres.
• EHR must be a priority especially with aging population.

Question #10-Did our blog site offer you anything “new” in terms of further understanding wireless technologies?
Yes 85.5%(7), No 12.5%(1).

Comments:
If yes what have you learned?

• Learning history and evolution of wireless technology.
• What will be used in the future.
• Review on some information other parts were new.
• Different types and applications of wireless technology.
• Did not realize how much technology has expanded in short time.
• Just touched the tip of the ice berg when it comes to what will be available in the future.

Recommendations:

1) Although most of us view wireless technologies as important, our satisfaction with these devices remain low.

Therefore, 

• Proper training on the use of wireless technologies in health care needs to be offered to employees including knowing how problem solve these devices when errors occur. 

2) We view wireless technologies as important, however, we also suspect that too much usage and availability contributes to employee stress and burnout. 

Therefore, 

• Signs of burnout, coping strategies on dealing with these technologies and setting boundaries needs to be discussed with employees.
• No Blackberry Zones or Leave the Laptop at Work Days

3) More than half of our group reported not viewing work-related information on social networking sites such as facebook, myspace, etc, however, about 1/3 of us have witnessed such postings.

Therefore, 

• Employers should ensure there are clearer policies against the broadcasting of confidential information so that staff at all levels understands the definition of breaching confidentiality and the consequences that follow.
• Organizations should implement internet policies that clearly set out limitations on the use of social networking and personal websites, personal use of computers and internet while at work.
  
• Employees need reminders, education and training on appropriate discussions on sites that are not considered private. Patient information, pictures, and descriptions should never be shared on these sites.

4) Organizations need to make more effort to ensure employees feel like part of the organization thus participate in its values.

Therefore: 

• With the awareness of the diminishing face to face contact in today's wireless world, organizations should arrange for more social events, (ie potlucks, golf tournaments, etc.,) that encourage interpersonal communication, direct contact and increased moral amongst all employees.