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Perceptions and attitudes of hospital staff toward paging system and the use of mobile phones

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2010

Muhammad Haroon ,
Faiza Yasin ,
Rachael Eckel  and
Frank Walker
Muhammad Haroon
Affiliation:
Waterford Regional Hospital
Faiza Yasin
Affiliation:
South Tipperary General Hospital
Rachael Eckel
Affiliation:
Waterford Regional Hospital
Frank Walker
Affiliation:
Waterford Regional Hospital
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Abstract

Objectives: Our objective was to document the pattern of mobile phone usage by medical staff in a hospital setting, and to explore any perceived benefits (such as improved communications) associated with mobile phones.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Waterford Regional Hospital, Ireland, where bleep is the official system of communication. All non-consultant hospital doctors, of medical disciplines only, were asked to participate. The questionnaire was designed to explore the pattern and different aspects of mobile phone usage.

Results: At the time of study, there were sixty medical junior doctors, and the response rate was 100 percent. All participants used mobile phones while at work, and also for hospital-related work. For 98.3 percent the mobile phone was their main mode of communication while in the hospital. Sixty-two percent (n = 37) made 6–10 calls daily purely for work-related business, and this comprised of ≥80 percent of their daily usage of mobile phones. For 98 percent of participants, most phone calls were work-related. Regarding reasons for using mobile phones, all reported that using mobile phone is quicker for communication.

Conclusions: Mobile phone usage is very common among the medical personnel, and this is regarded as a more efficient means of communication for mobile staff than the hospital paging system.

Keywords

Hospital communication systemsMobile phone
Type
ASSESSMENTS
Information
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care , Volume 26 , Issue 4 , October 2010 , pp. 377 - 381
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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