118 The positive impact of medic bleep, an asynchronous communication platform versus existing communication methods: an observational study. (16th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Menon, Rahul; Jhala, Meenakshi
• Is Part Of: BMJ leader. Volume 4(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A44
• Page End: A45
• Publication Date: 2020-11-16
• Subjects: Medical personnel -- Periodicals; Leadership -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Practice -- Management -- Periodicals; Health services administration -- Periodicals; 610.68
• DOI: 10.1136/leader-2020-FMLM.118
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2398-631X

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Healthcare systems revolve around intricate relations between humans and technology. System efficiency depends on information exchange which occur on synchronous and asynchronous platforms. Traditional synchronous methods of communication may pose risks to workflow integrity and contribute to inefficient service delivery and medical care. Aim: To compare synchronous methods of communication to an instant messaging (IM) asynchronous platform and observe its impact on clinical workflow, quality of work life and associations with patient safety outcomes and hospital core operations. Methods: Cohorts of healthcare professionals were followed using the Time Motion Study methodology over a two-week period, using both the asynchronous platform and synchronous methods like the non-cardiac pager. Questionnaires and interviews were conducted to identify staff attitudes towards both platforms. Results: A statistically significant figure (P<0.01) of 20.1 minutes' reduction in average task completion was seen with asynchronous communication, saving 58.8% of time when compared with traditional synchronous methods. In sub-category analysis for staff: doctors, nurses & midwifery categories, a P value of <0.0495 and <0.01 were observed; a mean time reduction with statistical significance was also seen in specific task efficiencies of 'To-Take-Out (TTO), patient review, 'discharge & patient transfer' and escalation of care & procedure'. The platform was favoured with an average Likert value of 8.7; 67% found it easy to implement. Conclusion: The asynchronous platform improved clinical communication compared to synchronous methods. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, asynchronous communication could serve multiple purposes, including communicating critical care bed load, leadership and giving instant updates about guidelines and dissemination of critical information. Medic Bleep contributed to efficiencies in clinical workflow and may positively affect patient care.