Critical Alert Systems Reduces TCO, Improves Nurse Call Response Times and Workflow Efficiency With Native Device Integration

JACKSONVILLE, FL--(Marketwired - October 06, 2015) - Critical Alert Systems, a leading provider of nurse call solutions for hospitals and health systems, today announced native integrations with industry leading wireless clinical communications devices, smart phones, Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS), and other third-party alarms. This important functionality virtually eliminates costly middleware and streamlines clinical communications between patient and staff, softens the impact of clinical interruptions, and provides a more robust workflow reporting and optimization capability.

Directly integrating diverse systems and devices into the Critical Alert Nurse Call System enables organizations to more efficiently centralize, triage, and dispatch alerts and patient requests to the most appropriate staff member's pager, cell phone, or other mobile device instead of sending all alerts directly to an RN. Native integration also significantly reduces TCO by eliminating middleware and its associated expenses with additional hardware, software, implementation, support, and maintenance. Read, "10 Things to Know About Nurse Call." Follow Critical Alert Systems on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

"Critical Alert Systems believes native integration between our Nurse Call Solution and industry leading devices and systems is a key component for healthcare organizations to efficiently improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction," said Ted McNaught, CEO for Critical Alert Systems, Inc. "By eliminating costly and complex middleware, our Nurse Call Solution is able to provide a comprehensive, unified dashboard of diverse alerting systems and deliver powerful, end-to-end alert management, viewing, analysis, and workflow optimization."

Native Integrations with Leading Communications Systems

Critical Alert provides native integrations with industry leading wireless clinical communications devices from Cisco, PatientSafe, Mobile Heartbeat, Spectralink, Voalte, Vocera, and others.

Centralized Alert Triage Management System

Recent enhancements enable caregivers at centralized or departmental locations to review patient requests and alerts, determine the clinical acuity of the call and, should it be non-clinical, pass the call on to others in the care team. RNs and caregivers with mobile devices can also view the type of alerts received in order to accept, reject, or pass it to another staff member. This functionality and methodology can help reduce Alarm Fatigue.

"Alarm fatigue within the nursing profession is a growing concern in the healthcare industry that affects both clinical outcomes as well as patient satisfaction," said April Hjort, VP of R&D for Critical Alert. "Many nurse call systems send every alert or alarm to an RN, regardless of whether it is clinical in nature or actually requires an RN."

Accident Prevention -- Stryker Smart Bed

For fall-risk patients, integration with Stryker Smart Beds allows for real-time alerts to be sent directly to an operator if certain pre-established thresholds are triggered such as dramatic shifts weight or if a bed arm is dropped. The nurse call operator can intercede, asking the patient if they can be of service and can immediately dispatch the appropriate resource to the room.

Automation Efficiency with Real Time Location Systems (RTLS)

Native integration with RTLS systems allows caregivers to automatically initiate and close nurse call related workflow events simply by being present in the room. This eliminates the need to manually press buttons on patient stations, allowing nurses to more immediately interact with patients. Because Critical Alert can monitor the credential of the staff member tied to a particular badge, it can automatically determine whether or not a staff member's presence should end the workflow. (ex. Only an RN can fulfill a Pain Med Request).

See Critical Alert at National Magnet Conference

Critical Alert's Clinical Team will be demonstrating its latest Nurse Call enhancements in Booth #1737 at this week's American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) National Magnet Conference held in Atlanta, GA. With over 11,000 attendees, the event celebrates Magnet organizations, provides an opportunity for nurses to network and showcases best practices and methodologies.

About Critical Alert Systems

Critical Alert Systems (CAS) offers the most advanced, easy-to-use, reliable and secure Nurse Call solution on the market. Our suite of software, hardware products and integrated partner offerings help hospitals drive down costs while improving their quality of care. Our focus on clinical productivity, innovative use of technology and patient safety leads to quieter, more efficient units, improved outcomes for patients and better utilization of nursing resources. For more information, please visit: www.nursecall.com.

Critical Alert is a trademark of Critical Alert Systems. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2015/10/5/11G066329/Images/Critical_Alert_-_Stryker_Bed_Integration_(2)-758440784833.jpg
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2015/10/5/11G066329/Images/Critical_Alert_-_Cisco_Phone_Integration_(2)-11341357938.jpg
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2015/10/5/11G066329/Images/Critical_Alert_-_Nurse_Call_Systems_-_Logo-1131725851154.jpg