Optimisation of an Electronic Call Light System in an Austrian Hospital. Phase I: Current State Analysis

Electronic call light systems provide important information and coordination instruments for patient care in the clinical setting. Subjective impressions and impacts on communication and work processes of nursing staff can contribute to a sustainable optimisation of concepts. Studies have not yet been conducted on this topic in Austria. The main objective was to assess subjective attitudes and perceptions as well as emotional reactions of nurses towards an existing call light system. Connections with skill and grade mix should be demonstrated in order to comprehensively record the effects on nursing communication, work processes and financial impact in everyday ward life. For this study a mixed-methods approach was used. The present study was conducted in an Austrian hospital. Nurses for interviews were recruited by using information leaflets. The ward for the open unstructured participant observation was chosen by the nursing director. Inclusion criteria for the interviews refer to the willingness of nurses to participate in the study on a voluntary basis and a good knowledge of German or English. A total of seven short interviews with nurses and 129 observational units were conducted. None of the nurses dropped out. Ward- and staff-related key figures/characteristics were provided by the nursing management. Emotional reactions of nurses and time measurements (distance covered, duration of activity after activation of a call light) were recorded during observations. Subjective impressions were obtained by using structured short interviews. The study took place between June and August 2020. Data analysis of the interviews was carried out by using MAXQDA®. Results of the observations were transferred to excel spreadsheets and analysed in accordance with legal requirements in Austria. Structural, technical, and financial backlogs can be identified from the results. The existing call light system concept has proven to have a negative impact on the quality of care, job satisfaction of nursing staff, and hospital financing. In future, further studies are needed to provide a more detailed analysis of the individual findings. This also implies integrating nursing managers and patients as target groups.