In a nursing home or any other medical facility, it is crucial to have easy communication systems between patients and their caregivers. That is precisely why nurse call systems – also referred to as call light or call bell systems – have become so important in enabling patient supervision and communication.

With a streamlined nurse call system, patients can enjoy access to higher-quality healthcare.

Stated below are the key considerations that matter while choosing a particular nurse call system:

• Seamless integration with other healthcare solutions

Fortunately, there is a host of products and services available in the market that can benefit patients and create synergy in the workings of the healthcare team. An effective nurse call system should easily integrate these devices into its set-up.

A good example of this can be assistive-care products, such as pressure mats, that are used for providing care to patients suffering from dementia.

• Flexible and adaptive to the changing needs of wards

The functionality of each ward is likely to vary over the period of time a nurse call system is installed. Therefore, it is imperative that such a system is adequately flexible so that it can adapt to the varying needs of patients admitted in their respective wards.

• User-friendly, modern features

Nurse call systems, like other electronic security devices, have evolved significantly with time. Previously, such systems would have cumbersome writing and a raft of buttons that weren’t simple and intuitional. However, such features have now become obsolete.

Today, healthcare facilities require features such as:

• Modern patient and resident stations
• Simplified writing
• Touchscreen master stations
• Dual-way voice communication
• Customizable ancillary devices

More importantly, manufacturer of nurse call systems should handhold clients through the applicability and use of these features.

• Customizable coding for calls

One of the more important features of an effective nurse call system is that it should be able to handle calls seamlessly in times of an emergency. That’s precisely a system with audible tones and code light colours (according to specific levels of urgency) is an important consideration.

• Report generation

A nurse call system should be able to access reports and data promptly, and furnish information on important KPIs needed to efficiently manage operations. These reports should ideally throw light on mean response times, call volumes and system-related flaws, thereby enabling easy identification of glitches.

• After sales support

A nurse call system is a complex electronic device, something that might warrant periodic repairs. Therefore, you must zero in on a manufacturer that delivers after-sales support and services to ensure any glitch can be identified and remedied.

• Proven track record of manufacturer

It will be wise on your part to go for a manufacturer that has a proven track record of successfully installing nurse call systems and providing training solutions, be it for large projects or simple ward upgrades.

To sum up

A nurse call system is an essential cog in administering patient care and supervision. That is precisely why you should factor in these considerations before putting your faith in one. Only that way, will you be making an informed purchase.