What are Nurse Call systems?

Nurse call systems are communication systems used in hospitals, care homes, and other healthcare facilities to enable patients to call for assistance from their nurses or healthcare providers. These systems play a crucial role in improving patient care and safety by allowing patients to easily communicate their needs and receive prompt attention.

9 Facts about Nurse Call systems

Quality care is at the heart of every hospital and care home, and while much of this work depends on the skills of healthcare staff, the systems and tools that support them play an important role too. One such tool is the nurse call system; a piece of healthcare technology that ensures effective communication between staff, patients, and residents. Especially useful in critical situations and emergencies, nurse call systems continue to evolve in line with modern healthcare needs.

In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of nurse call systems, their history, the different types available, and most importantly, how they can help transform the quality of care provided in hospitals and care homes.

What is a Nurse Call System?

Nurse call systems are communication tools used in hospitals, care homes, and other healthcare facilities, that enable patients to call for assistance from their nurses or healthcare providers. These systems play a crucial role in improving patient care and safety by allowing patients to easily communicate their needs and receive prompt attention.

Traditionally, these systems consist of a call button or cord at a bedside, which, when activated, signals staff at a central station. Today, however, nurse call systems have become far more sophisticated, integrating with wireless devices, mobile apps, and even digital health records. In simpler terms, nurse call systems act as a lifeline for patients and a workflow enhancer for staff, ensuring that help is never too far away when needed.

9 Facts about Nurse Call systems

As one of the UK’s foremost manufacturers of nurse call systems, we at Courtney Thorne know a great deal about what goes into these pivotal tools. Below, we have compiled nine key points and facts about nurse call systems and how they work.

1. Nurse call systems are also known as call bell or call light systems.
2. They provide a direct line of communication between patients and healthcare staff.
3. Patients can use the system to request help, report emergencies, or ask for medication or other services.
4. Nurse call systems typically consist of call buttons or call cords located near the patient’s bed or in the room.
5. When a patient presses the call button, a notification is sent to the nurses’ station or a mobile device carried by the healthcare staff.
6. The system may include visual and audible alerts to ensure that calls are promptly addressed.
7. Nurse call systems can be integrated with other healthcare technologies, such as electronic medical records or patient monitoring systems, to streamline communication and improve efficiency.
8. Different types of nurse call systems are available, ranging from basic systems to more advanced solutions with additional features like patient monitoring and workflow management.
9. These systems help healthcare providers deliver timely and personalised care, enhancing patient satisfaction and overall quality of care.

When were Nurse Call Systems first Invented?

The concept of a patient being able to call for assistance from their caregiver actually dates back to the mid-19th century, and was implemented by the “founder of modern nursing”, Florence Nightingale, during the Crimean War. These early iterations from the 1850s were relatively basic, involving patients pulling a cord that would ring a bell at the nurses’ station. As hospitals and care institutions expanded in size and complexity over the years, the need for faster, clearer communication became more obvious. 

By the late 20th century, electronic nurse call systems with audible tones, visual indicators, and alerts were in common use. Nowadays, nurse call systems are integrated communication networks that span the length of entire facilities, and are even capable of integrating with other, existing management systems and IT platforms. You can check out the following blog if you are interested in learning more about the history of nurse call systems.

Are there Different Types of Nurse Call Systems?

Yes, and the variety shown in the types of call systems available today reflects the diverse needs of all the different care environments. Choosing the right nurse call system depends on various factors such as the size of the facility, the patient or resident demographic, and the desired level of technological integration (among others). In the below table, we will list some of these different types of system, alongside a brief description of their features and use cases.

For more information on these systems, you can read our blog article on the different types of nurse call systems; we explore these different solutions in greater detail, while outlining where they are best utilised, their strengths, and their weaknesses. 

How can Nurse Call Systems Improve the Standard of Care?

The value of a nurse call system goes far beyond simple communication. Implemented effectively, these systems can directly improve patient safety, resident wellbeing, and staff efficiency. Below, we will list some of the most impactful benefits; when viewed through this lens, you can see that nurse call systems are not just simple communication tools, but complete solutions that are integral to delivering high-quality care.

1. Enhanced Patient and Resident Safety: Nurse call systems provide a direct link between individuals in need and staff. This immediate connection can reduce response times in emergencies, such as falls, sudden illness, or behavioural incidents.
2. Improved Staff Efficiency: Modern nurse call systems can prioritise different requests, escalate any unanswered calls, and direct fresh alerts to the nearest available staff members. This ensures that all resources are being allocated more efficiently throughout the day.
3. Data-Driven Insights: Smart systems often record call response times, frequency of requests, and patterns of activity. This data can be analysed to identify staffing gaps, improve workflow, or even flag early warning signs of declining patient health.
4. Greater Peace of Mind for Families: In care homes, families want assurance that their loved ones can access help at any time. Nurse call systems provide this reassurance and demonstrate a commitment to safety and dignity.
5. Support for Compliance and Regulation: Regulatory bodies in the UK, such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC), emphasise responsive, person-centred care. A well-implemented nurse call system supports compliance with these standards by evidencing responsiveness and accountability.

There are myriad benefits to installing a nurse call system in your hospital, care home, or healthcare facility. For a more comprehensive list of these different points, you can read our blog regarding What are the Benefits of a Nurse Call System?

Key Considerations when Choosing a Nurse Call System

Hospitals and care homes evaluating their options should consider a variety of factors to ensure they select the right solution. Some of the most important considerations include:

1. Scalability: Can the system grow with the facility?
2. Integration: Does it work with existing IT or building management systems?
3. User-friendliness: Is it intuitive for both staff and residents?
4. Reliability: Does it function consistently in all conditions, including during power outages?
5. Regulatory compliance: Does it meet healthcare standards and guidance?
6. Training and support: What level of ongoing support is available from the provider?

At Courtney Thorne, we believe these factors must be at the forefront of any decision, ensuring the chosen solution provides value now and in the future. 

When choosing a nurse call system for a care home environment, for example, we would highly recommend our range of Altra Care and Connect options. These systems come equipped with secure, built-in wireless connectivity and strong reporting to help staff cope with the rigors of the care home environment. For a hospital nurse call system, our Altra Health and Connect Health options are perfect, featuring strong compliance to HTM regulations and hybrid design features to provide reliable support to all hospital staff and their patients. 

There are a variety of different factors that go into whether or not you should install one nurse call system versus another, and this is not a decision to take lightly. In our blog article How do I Choose a Nurse Call System, we go in depth on this topic. 

Final Thoughts on Nurse Call Systems

Nurse call systems have come a long way since their invention in the 19th century. From simple wired bells to intelligent, data-driven platforms, they remain one of the most vital communication systems in healthcare settings. We have seen how nurse call systems can provide a critical lifeline for patients and residents, and how they have evolved from basic cords and bells into wireless, smart, and specialist systems. For hospitals and care homes committed to delivering exceptional care, investing in the right nurse call system is not a luxury – it is a necessity.

At Courtney Thorne, we have decades of experience supporting healthcare providers in selecting and implementing nurse call solutions tailored to their needs. If you have any questions about nurse call systems, or would like to discuss which system may best suit your organisation, please do get in touch with us today.

Written by

Barry Vacher

Date

22.08.23