A pilot project at Brightshores Health System will test a new platform which could revolutionize how patient calls for assistance are managed.
PatientCompanion, a cutting-edge platform developed in Waterloo, would enhance the traditional call bell system which treats all patient requests equally.
Rebecca Brookham, Brightshores Director of Research and Innovation, explained PatientCompanion prioritizes requests based on urgency.
"This software allows patients to use their iPhone or a tablet that is provided from the hospital," Brookham pointed out. "And they scan a QR code in their room right next to their bed, and it pulls up a system where they can actually specify what their request is for the nurse."
She added the technology aims to improve patient outcomes by reducing delays for urgent care needs and enhancing nursing workflows.
"With a traditional call bell system, there would be a little button next to your bed. You would press that, and that would notify the nurses that you are wanting something. But there's no way for them to be able to articulate what exactly their need is," Brookham continued. "So this system allows you to identify and define what that need is. It could be you're pressing a button that says, I want a drink of water, or I need to help to the bathroom, changing my clothes, transferring out of my bed, whatever that may be."
Brookham said the platform empowers staff to deliver care more efficiently and effectively by allowing specific requests.
"And depending on what that request is, they can determine who needs to go to the room, and save some steps, too," said Brookham. "Often a nurse will come to the room. What can I help you with? I'd like a glass of water. You're walking back across the unit to get that drink and then come back again. So it's going to improve some efficiencies for our staff."
The innovative system will be tested at Grand River’s Childbirth Unit and at Brightshores’ Women and Child Care Unit in Owen Sound, as well as inpatient units in Wiarton.
President & CEO Ann Ford said Brightshores Health System is the first rural health care organization to join a national paternship called Coordinated Accessible National (CAN) Health Network. The member organizations are referred to as Edges.
"So Brightshores Health System is the first rural based healthcare system to join Can Health as an Edge," said Ford. "Most others are based in urban areas, and healthcare in rural areas is a little bit different due to geography, and due to a lower number of resources."
Ford added the partnership brings together small Canadian based entrepreneurs and innovators to bring forth some new solution healthcare, and help them scale their innovations across Canada and potentially globally.
“As CAN Health’s newest rural Edge member, Brightshores is proud to bring our commitment to leading rural health care and ensuring our communities receive the highest quality care," said Ford. "We know that supporting nurses to do their best work is key to achieving this, and we are focused on providing them with the tools and resources they need to deliver exceptional care to patients. This new initiative has the potential to significantly improve how we respond to patient needs, and we look forward to sharing our learnings with other hospitals to help enhance care for patients everywhere.”
The organization is funded by the federal government. Being part of the Can Health Network allows Brightshores to pilot PatientCompanion.
“We are very excited about this collaboration with the CAN Health Network, Grand River and Brightshores," said Christy Lee, Co-Founder of PatientCompanion. "This is a great opportunity to drive meaningful change in health care delivery, and bring our platforms to more patients across the province.”
“The CAN Health Network is thrilled to see two organizations coming together to address current challenges with Canadian innovation,” said Dr. Dante Morra, Founder and Chair, CAN Health Network. “We look forward to seeing the results of this collaboration, and how PatientCompanion can elevate the care experience for providers and patients.”
Brightshores operates six hospitals across Grey and Bruce Counties, in Owen Sound, Southampton, Wiarton, Markdale, Lion's Head, and Meaford.