Reducing ambient noise and developing a communication scheme can improve communication in the emergency department, according to a report in The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety.
Noisiness and inefficient communication modes such as overhead paging are barriers to effective communication in the ED. The authors present 17 strategies for improving ED communication, focusing on reducing ambient noise and implementing a communication plan that recognizes the costs and benefits of different communication methods.
Reduce ambient noise
1. Use a sound meter to identify loud noise
2. Pad trash can lids
3. Pad pneumatic tube system
4. Limit portable X-ray machine use
5. Replace loud paper towel dispensers
6. Limit overhead paging
7. Limit radio use
8. Provide staff training to decrease speech volume
9. Provide sound-absorbing ceiling tiles
10. Provide sound-absorbing wall paper
11. Decentralize work areas
Design and articulate a communication scheme
12. Provide whiteboard communication
13. Track system communication
14. Provide text messaging
15. Provide dedicated cell phones
16. Limit overhead paging
17. Limit radio use
Care Coordination Demands Streamlined Communication Beyond Hospital Walls
A View of the ED's Integral Role within the Bigger Facility Operations Picture
Noisiness and inefficient communication modes such as overhead paging are barriers to effective communication in the ED. The authors present 17 strategies for improving ED communication, focusing on reducing ambient noise and implementing a communication plan that recognizes the costs and benefits of different communication methods.
Reduce ambient noise
1. Use a sound meter to identify loud noise
2. Pad trash can lids
3. Pad pneumatic tube system
4. Limit portable X-ray machine use
5. Replace loud paper towel dispensers
6. Limit overhead paging
7. Limit radio use
8. Provide staff training to decrease speech volume
9. Provide sound-absorbing ceiling tiles
10. Provide sound-absorbing wall paper
11. Decentralize work areas
Design and articulate a communication scheme
12. Provide whiteboard communication
13. Track system communication
14. Provide text messaging
15. Provide dedicated cell phones
16. Limit overhead paging
17. Limit radio use
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A View of the ED's Integral Role within the Bigger Facility Operations Picture