The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Use of Mobile Telephones and Personal Computing Devices
within Trust Premises Policy
Version No:
Effective From:
Expiry Date:
Date Ratified:
Ratified By:
1
3.1
2nd October 2012
30th October 2015
12th September 2012
Medical Devices Steering Group
Introduction
The Department of Health has issued revised guidance on the use of mobile
telephones and personal computing devices in hospitals. Previous guidance had
resulted in the Trust imposing a complete ban on mobile telephones and personal
computing devices within hospitals. This ban was based on firm evidence that
interference from mobile telephones and personal computing devices could impact
on the safe use of medical equipment. The result of the revised guidance is that the
Trust can now review previous policy and allow limited mobile telephones and
personal computing devices use in identified areas only.
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Policy Scope
This policy applies to patients, visitors and staff.
The Trust has established areas within the hospital and they are designated as being
acceptable for mobile phone / personal computing devices use, where issues of
privacy and dignity and interference with medical equipment can be kept to a
minimum.
This policy applies to all staff, visitors and patients within the Trust environs.
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Aim of Policy
The Trust’s aim is to safeguard and promote the welfare of all patients, including
children, and it is well aware that mobile camera/video phones and personal
computing devices pose a potential risk to this, and the confidentiality of other
patients. In addition the Trust is aware that mobile phones and personal computing
devices have the potential to:
•
•
•
interfere with some medical equipment resulting in potential harm to
patients.
cause a nuisance and be annoying to patients and staff.
breach the principles of privacy, dignity and confidentiality of all Trust
users including patients, carers, visitors and staff in the event they are
fitted with cameras
The Trust is endeavouring to establish the principles of mobile telephones and
personal computing devices use whilst ensuring privacy and without causing
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inconvenience to patients. It is trying to balance the right of patients and visitors to
use their mobile phones and personal computing devices with the rights of patients
and staff in respect of privacy and dignity.
In terms of nuisance or unwanted disturbance within patient care environments, the
guidance in here can be applied to the use of Hospedia (PatientLine).
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Duties (Roles and Responsibilities)
4.1
The Executive Team is accountable to the Trust Board for ensuring Trustwide
compliance with policy.
4.2
Directorate managers and heads of service are responsible to the Executive
Team for ensuring policy implementation.
4.3
Managers are responsible for ensuring policy implementation and compliance
with their area(s)
4.4
Staff are responsible for complying with policy and have responsibility for
advising patients and visitors of the need for their compliance with this policy
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Definitions
6
•
A “Mobile Telephone” is defined as a telephone that is connected to an
external telephone/data network via a radio signal to provide voice and text
capabilities. (For this policy, this does not include digital handsets (DECT)
which are part of the Trusts telephone system).
•
Smart Phone technology (e.g. BlackBerry ©, iPhone © etc) is a full-featured
“Mobile Telephone” with additional functionality such as access to email,
Internet Web browser, camera and video messaging etc.
•
“Personal Computing Device” includes Laptop/Tablet/Palmtop Computers.
•
Laptop/Tablet/Palmtop Computers are defined as portable computing devices;
such devices can connect to an external telephone/data network via a radio
signal to provide functionality such as access to email, Internet Web browser,
webcam etc (e.g. Ipad 2 ©).
•
“Gaming Devices containing Radio Data transfer systems” are defined as
portable gaming devices (e.g. Sony PSP ©) which can connect to an external
data network via a radio signal to provide functionality such as access to 3G
gaming, social networking, camera etc.
Areas Where Mobile Telephones and Personal Computing Devices Can
Be Used
The use of mobile phones and personal computing devices in the following areas is
permitted;
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hospital reception and entrance areas
Non-clinical communal areas – which may include lift lobbies and café
areas
Specially designated rooms/areas
Public corridors
Single cubicles
On wards e.g. dayroom and non-clinical areas where direct clinical care
is not delivered.
On wards – bedbays. Patients can use their mobile phones in bed only
with permission of the nurse in charge and with consideration for other
patients and staff at all times.
However, it may be that it is not always appropriate for mobile telephones and
personal computing devices to be used even in the areas listed. Users of these
devices must never use them to take photographs/videos of patients or other service
users without their consent.
Mobile phones or personal computing devices should not be used without the
permission of the nurse/ midwife in charge.
Mobile phones or personal computing devices must always be used with
consideration for others. Use should be kept to a minimum. Where possible patients
should refrain from making telephone calls from their bed or the bed bay.
The following criteria must be applied where mobile telephones and personal
computing devices are being used as identified;
•
•
•
•
•
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Telephones must be switched to vibrate mode, computing devices
should be muted or headphones used
Must not be used in patient areas between 23:00 and 07:00
Not in any area where care is being delivered
Cameras/video recorders must not be used except where this is a locally
agreed exception and there must be screening to protect the privacy of
other patient/staff in the environment e.g. single cubicle or behind a
curtained area.
Must not be used to record / video any aspects of care delivery including
communication.
Areas Where Mobile Telephones and Personal Computing Devices
Cannot Be Used
For safety, privacy and dignity and annoyance reasons, mobile telephones and
personal computing devices are not to be used in the following areas;
•
•
•
•
•
Critical care units
Operating theatres
Special care baby units
Renal Dialysis Unit
Designated areas within Audiology as indicated by notices.
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Exceptions in these areas, such as patients with specific communication or carer
needs or those confined to bed areas, must be discussed and agreed with the Nurse
in Charge.
7.1 Mobile Telephones / Personal Computing Devices and Medical Devices
As a precautionary measure the use of all mobile communication devices
should be prohibited within two metres of any patient connected to a medical
device as it is not possible from current guidance to give complete assurance
that it is safe to use a mobile phone or personal computing device whilst
attached to a medical device such as an infusion pump. Therefore patients
attached to medical devices must not use such devices. It is the responsibility
of the nurse staff in charge of the patients care to explain the risk to patients
and document accordingly.
7.2 Use of Laptop, Palmtop Computers and Gaming Devices Containing
Radio Data Transfer Systems
Laptop/palmtop computers and gaming devices may be fitted with data transfer
radio systems such as GPRS or 3G that present a risk of interference to
medical devices similar to that from Mobile Telephones and Personal
Computing Devices. Their use should be controlled as for Mobile Telephones
and Personal Computing Devices.
7.3
Use of Bluetooth® Technology
Bluetooth technology presents a low risk and this technology is therefore not
subject to restriction; this however must be considered in context, i.e. if a
Bluetooth hearing aid is to be used with a mobile phone, then the mobile phone
restrictions still apply when in the vicinity of a medical device. There is no
restriction of use in designated mobile phone areas or if used for non-mobile
phone applications e.g. MP3 players.
7.4 Guidance regarding the recording of images is applicable in Maternity
Areas
As a general principle the recording of images is not permitted, this is to protect
the privacy and dignity of patients, visitors and any users of Trust premises
including staff. However it is recognised that there may be occasions where the
recording of images is desirable, e.g. new parents to take and transmit pictures
of newborn children. However, it is important that the privacy and dignity of
other adjacent patients or staff is considered. Pictures can only be taken with
the permission of the midwife in charge and with the consent of the
patient/parent and in the presence of mothers/patients (as applicable) and must
be within private environment e.g. with curtains drawn around the bed/cot area.
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Magnetically Programmable Implantable Shunt Valves
Any patient with an implant should be made aware of the potential magnetic
sensitivity of such devices and follow advice issued by the manufacturer of the
device.
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For devices that must be used close to the head which generate a magnetic field
(e.g., mobile phone, cochlear implant, etc.) it is recommended that they be used on
the side of the head opposite the valve implant. Caution should be used around
professional type audio headphones and magnetic therapy pads and pillows should
not be used at all. Patients and their caregivers should be warned of the potential for
interaction when an iPad 2 and smart cover are used in very close proximity to the
shunt valve.
As a precautionary measure it is recommended that all products with magnets be
kept at a minimum of 2” (5 cm) from the valve implant site. With proper precautions
to keep the device away from close proximity to the valve, the continued use of these
devices, even in the general vicinity of patients with programmable shunt valves,
appears to be safe.
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Use of Mobile Phones and Personal Computing Devices by Staff
9.1
The principles above are all applicable to staff
As with any communication device mobile telephones and personal computing
devices must not to be used whilst on duty. Personal mobile phones and
computing devices should be switched off at all times whilst in clinical areas or
involved in the delivery of care. Failure to do so will be managed under the
Trust Disciplinary Procedure. Work related mobile telephones and personal
computing devices (or personal mobile phones) being used for work related
business must be used away from areas where direct clinical care is being
delivered and in appropriate environment to afford confidentiality, e.g. ward
office area.
Staff required to give out work contact details should not rely on personal
mobiles but give departmental contact details.
Please note, the Trust can take no responsibility for lost, damaged or
stolen mobile phones or computing devices.
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Training
The use of mobile phones or computing devices is included in staff information
provided during inductions.
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Equality and Diversity
The Trust is committed to ensuring that, as far as is reasonably practicable the way
we provide services to the public and the way we treat our staff reflects their
individual needs and does not unlawfully discriminate against individuals or groups.
The Policy has been assessed accordingly.
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Monitoring Compliance with the Policy
Standard/process
/issue
Mobile Phone or personal
Computing Device may
have
1) Compromised
Confidentiality
Monitoring and Audit
By
Committee
Method
Frequency
Review of DATIX
Reports for any
incident reports
involving mobile
telephone or personal
computing device.
Medical
Electronics
Trust Medical
Devices
Steering
Group
Annually
Review of technical
content every three
years or sooner if
technical advice
changes
Medical
Electronics
IT
Trust Medical
Devices
Steering
Group
Every Three
Years
2) Interfered with
Medical Device
Technology changes affect
technical guidance
provided within Policy
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Consultation and Review
The policy was developed in consultation with Trust Equality Diversity and Human
Rights working groups. It has been reviewed by the Health and Safety Committee
and relevant staff within Patients Services, Governance, IT and Estates ensure
technical guidance is appropriate.
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Implementation of Policy (including raising awareness)
A summary and overview of key changes will be given to managers following
implementation via clinical policy newsletter.
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References
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For further information on the Trust’s duty to respect a patient’s private
life see The Human Rights Act 2009 (HRA).
Department of Health (2009) ‘Use of mobile phones in NHS hospitals’.
Medical Devices Agency (1997) ‘Electromagnetic compatibility of
medical devices with mobile communications’ (MDA DB9702).
Medical Devices Agency (1999) ‘Emergency service radios and mobile
data terminals: compatibility problems with medical devices’ (MDA
DB1999(02)).
Medical Devices Agency (2001) ‘Update on Electromagnetic
Compatibility of Medical Devices with Mobile Communications: TETRA
(Terrestrial Trunked Radio System) and Outside media broadcasts from
hospital premises’ (SN 2001(06)).
Strahle, J. et al. (2012) ‘Programmable Shunt Valve Affected by
Exposure to a Tablet Computer’, Journal of Neurosurgery: Paediatrics.
(Published online June 26, 2012; DOI: 10.3171/2012.3.PEDS1211).
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THE NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
IMPACT ASSESSMENT – SCREENING
FORM A
This form must be completed and attached to any procedural document when submitted to the appropriate committee for
consideration and approval.
Policy Title:
1.
Use of Mobile Phones Within Trust Premises
Does the policy/guidance affect one group less or more favourably than another on
the basis of:
•
Race
•
Ethnic origins (including gypsies and travellers)
•
Nationality
•
Gender
•
Culture
•
Religion or belief
•
Sexual orientation including lesbian, gay and bisexual people
•
Age
•
Disability – learning difficulties, physical disability, sensory impairment and
mental health problems.
Policy Author:
Patient Services
Yes/No?
You must provide evidence to support your response:
The policy relates to all users of mobile phones regardless
of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, religion, belief or age
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
•
Carer
Yes
2.
3.
4(a).
4(b).
4(c).
4(d)
Is there any evidence that some groups are affected differently?
If you have identified potential discrimination, are any exceptions valid, legal and/or
justifiable?
Is the impact of the policy/guidance likely to be negative?
(If “yes”, please answer sections 4(b) to 4(d)).
If so can the impact be avoided?
What alternatives are there to achieving the policy/guidance without the impact?
Can we reduce the impact by taking different action?
The use of mobile phones within Trust premises will allow
for compliance of the Trust with it’s Disability Equality Duty
by supporting the use of equipment which will provide for
those with a communication impairment to make contact in
a similar way to those without the impairment.
The use of mobile phones will enable carers to continue
that role whilst in hospital premises and ensure their piece
of mind.
No
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Comments:
The Trust Equality, Diversity and Human rights Group contributed to the completion of this Equality Impact Assessment
screening and have reviewed and agreed the final assessment screening.
Action Plan due (or Not Applicable):
Name and Designation of Person responsible for completion of this form Frances Blackburn (Head of Nursing for Freeman & Walkergate)
Date:
August 2010
Names & Designations of those involved in the impact assessment screening process: Jean Fraser (Development Worker, National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs), Katie
Dodd, (Carers Centre), Christine Holland (Senior HR Manager, NUTHFT)
(If any reader of this procedural document identifies a potential discriminatory impact that has not been identified on this form, please refer to the Policy Author identified above,
together with any suggestions for the actions required to avoid/reduce this impact.)
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