In association with Simon Fraser University & Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute
Simon Fraser University
Great Northern Way Campus
555 Great Northern Way
Vancouver, BC, Canada V5T 1E2
tel: 1.604.268.7306
fax: 1.604.268.7309
email: act4hlth@sfu.ca
website: www.sfu.ca/act4hlth
Case Studies of New Technology Implementations at Vancouver Coastal Health:
Implementing the wireless nurse call system (Theme II)
Investigators: Ellen Balka
Research Partners: Vancouver General Hospital
Background
In connection with the so-called “Tower Move” at Vancouver General Hospital, funding was
available to explore the possibility of using a wireless system of phones to replace the standard
stationery (land-line) nurse’s call system. The wireless system is expected to substantially lower
the request response time and prevent time from being unnecessarily wasted “running around
looking for people.” The adoption of the wireless system is seen as facilitating a complete change
in the communication environment of nurses.
Project Description
This project aims to illuminate how workplaces are affected and transformed by the use of new
information technologies, and to develop realistic estimates of the potential and capacities of such
technologies for ensuring better communication and quality of care. Researchers are particularly
interested in investigating:
ƒ How the implementation process is envisioned and planned?
ƒ How the concrete implementation process takes place, and with what beneficial and
problematic effects?
Methods
The study uses qualitative sociological methods, primarily participant observation and semistructured interviews. To collect data on the work practices of nurses, we use software that runs
on a PDA to track time spent communicating, via various means (face to face, via computer, via
phone, via wireless handsets), as well as time spent in direct patient contact, prior to and after the
implementation of the wireless phone system.