Strategies for Managing Mobile Devices for Use by Hospitalized Inpatients

Abstract

Despite the potential advantages, implementation of mobile devices and ongoing management pose challenges in the hospital environment. Our team implemented the PROSPECT (Promoting Respect and Ongoing Safety through Patient-centeredness, Engagement, Communication and Technology) project at Brigham and Women's Hospital. The goal of PROSPECT is to transform the hospital environment by providing a suite of e-tools to facilitate teamwork among nurses, physicians, patients and to engage patients and care partners in their plan of care. In this paper, we describe the device-related decisions and challenges faced including device and accessory selection, integration, information and device security, infection control, user access, and ongoing operation and maintenance. We relate the strategies that we used for managing mobile devices and lessons learned based on our experiences.

Keywords: communication; device management; health information technology; nursing informatics; patient engagement.

Figure 1a

Oncology unit iPad storage solution. Plastic storage bin is installed on each side of the bedside table to facilitate access from the bed or the chair.

Figure 1b

Supply basket; Figure 1c: IV basket

Figure 2

iPad Security Label

Figure 3

Process for Disinfecting iPad Holders Between Patients