Productivity: Electronics Saves Steps — and Builds Networks

Electronic inventions can be applied to help hospital staffs make the best and timeliest use of their knowledge, skills, and experience. A time and motion study has revealed that some tasks take more time than direct patient care. Four basic steps to locate areas where this help is needed are: 1. Identify the problem. 2. Identify possible solutions. 3. Select the best alternative for local conditions. 4. Evaluate how well the chosen option meets expectations. The introduction of electronic equipment at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas (Texas) has improved productivity and morale. Some of the options that were chosen include: 1. the use of a facsimile machine for nurses to place physicians' medication orders with the pharmacy, 2. the use of a keyless system to access the controlled-substance cabinet, and 3. the use of a beeper system to locate staff to respond to telephone calls and requests from patients, physicians, pharmacists, and other staff.