Brief
Dive Brief:
- Vocera on Monday launched a new wearable device that lets clinicians communicate with colleagues in both hands-free and handset mode and conduct secure messaging.
- Combining smartphone and clinical communications features, Vocera Smartbadge is the latest iteration of the Vocera Badge. Among its advantages is a 2.4″ screen that can display notifications with more patient content.
- The wearable, powered by Vocera Platform, will integrate with more than 140 clinical and operational systems, including EHRs, nurse call systems, physiologic monitors and more, according to the San Jose, California-based company.
Dive Insight:
The new Smartbadge comes as smartphones are showing up everywhere in healthcare and more organizations are trying to figure out how to leverage mobile devices to support providers and patients. Options range from shared-use smartphones that are under an organization’s control, to personal use phones usually reserved for doctors and management and “bring your own device” programs that let staff access and share patient health information.
According to the Physicians Practice 2018 Mobile Health Survey, more than three-fourths of practices use mobile health on a weekly basis, and 27% use it more than 10 hours a week.
Security and interoperability remain key in any mHealth program. The National Institute for Standards and Technology published a practice guide on mobile device security that includes enterprise mobility management, where a profile is installed on a device to enable monitoring and control.
In addition to hands-free communication, Smartbadge features enhanced audio, extended battery life, USB charging and headset ports and water-resistant design. A one-touch panic button brings assistance when emergencies arise.
According to Vocera’s website, more than 1 million Smartbadges have been delivered to 1,700+ organizations worldwide.
Vocera also announced new capabilities to its software platform aimed at boosting employee wellbeing. Clinicians can use Smartbadge to call a code lavender, signaling a multidisciplinary team that patients, families or staff need extra support. The device also offers guided meditations.