What is a Nurse Call System? (+ Key Components)

Healthcare facilities require consistent, efficient communication and rapid response times. That’s what enables them to provide high-quality care to each patient. That’s where nurse call systems come in. Nurse call systems are a cornerstone of healthcare safety because they enable staff to respond more quickly and access relevant information about each patient when they need it. 

Let’s break down what a nurse call system is, its key components, and how it can help you to improve patient care and operational efficiency.

What are Nurse Call Systems?

Nurse call systems are communication networks that connect the nursing staff with patients and the healthcare facility as a whole. These systems allow patients to request help when needed and staff to coordinate their efforts and resources. 

Call systems typically consist of: 

• Patient-activated devices like call bells
• Staff notification equipment like virtual pager systems
• Visual and audible cues like emergency lights and alarms
• Infrastructure like secure Wi-Fi networks

While they may have once stood alone, these days, nurse communication systems integrate with other healthcare technology to provide a seamless experience. For example, they might connect with patient monitoring devices to alert staff in case of a sudden health emergency, electronic health records for instant information access, and staff management systems for optimal resource utilization. 

Key Components of Nurse Call Systems

An effective nurse call system is made up of several interconnected components. Each one helps to facilitate communication between patients and healthcare staff in different ways. Building managers, healthcare administrators, and staff must understand how each one contributes to the effectiveness of the system as a whole in order to manage a nurse call system effectively.

1. Patient Call Buttons

Patient call buttons are what enable patients to request assistance via the nurse call system. This is often referred to as a nurse call bell. These are usually located by a patient's bedside and typically include:

• A general assistance button for routine needs
• An emergency call button for urgent scenarios
• Large, clearly labeled buttons for ease of use
• Integration with other bedside systems like monitoring devices and alarms

Some advanced systems might include voice activation to increase accessibility, especially for patients with limited mobility.

2. Nurse Console/Control Panel

The nurse console or control panel is the hub of the nurse communication system. It is usually located at the nursing station, ensuring that it is easily accessible to all who need it. It is crucial for managing and prioritizing patient calls. A nurse call system console typically includes:

• A visual display of active calls and prioritization
• Call answering and routing capabilities
• Integration with staff assignment and electronic health record (EHR) systems
• Reporting and analytics features

An effective central console's user interface should be intuitive. This allows nursing staff to quickly assess situations and respond appropriately.

3. Staff Notification Devices

For a call system to be effective, calls need to reach staff where they are—hence the need for staff notification devices. Historically, these systems typically integrated with pagers. Now, many hospitals have moved away from pagers and instead use smart devices like phones, tablets or specialized handsets. This allows teams to:

• Receive and respond to calls from anywhere in the facility
• Coordinate with other staff members
• Access and update patient information in real-time (e.g., through an EHR system)
• Update call statuses

Different healthcare facilities have different device preferences. Generally, an effective device should be easy to use, with strong battery life and durability.

4. Intercom System

The intercom system enables direct, two-way communication between patients and staff. This immediate interaction is crucial for assessing patient needs quickly and efficiently. Key aspects of the intercom system include:

• Clear audio quality for effective communication
• Integration with patient room speakers and staff devices
• Ability to initiate conversations from both patient rooms and nurse stations
• Some systems may include video capabilities for enhanced patient assessment

5. Indicator Lights

Indicator lights, often called dome lights or call light systems, are visual indicators installed in the hallway outside patient rooms. At a basic level, they light up when a call has been made. They allow staff to respond quicker by easily identifying the location in need.

Functionality typically includes:

• Different colors or patterns to indicate call types (e.g., red for emergencies)
• Clear visibility from the nursing station and hallways
• Integration with other systems like Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS)

For example, if a patient goes into cardiac arrest—a "code blue"—a corridor light might display blue to show the code team where to go. This way, they can move faster in an emergency, reducing their response times. This can help to boost efficiency and improve patient care.

6. Integration with Other Systems

Modern nurse call systems often integrate with other healthcare technologies to enhance functionality and improve patient care. This integration can significantly boost the system's effectiveness and contribute to better overall patient care. Examples of integration include:

• Connection with patient monitoring devices for automatic alerts
• Integration with fire alarm systems for improved safety protocols
• Linking with EHR for seamless information access
• Compatibility with RTLS for staff tracking
• Integration with bed exit alarms and fall prevention systems

By understanding these key components and their functions, healthcare facilities can ensure they implement a nurse call system that enhances communication, improves response times, and ultimately contributes to better patient care and safety.

How to Choose the Right Nurse Call System

Choosing the right nurse call system is crucial for maintaining high standards of care while improving efficiency. There are several factors that healthcare facilities need to consider when choosing a system: 

Facility Size and Layout

The physical characteristics of your healthcare facility play a big role in determining the right system. Larger facilities may need more complex systems with advanced routing capabilities, while smaller facilities might be able to use simpler setups. 

Patient Demographics

The specific needs of your patients should be a major consideration for choosing a call system. After all, the call system exists in order to facilitate better patient care.
For example:

• Elderly patients might benefit from easier-to-use interfaces with larger buttons
• Pediatric units might need systems with more visual elements
• Psychiatric units might require more robust, tamper-resistant components

Response Needs

Every facility has different response time targets. Your nurse call system should help you meet or improve these targets. As you make your decision, consider:

• How quickly do you need staff to respond to routine calls?
• What about emergencies?
• Does your facility have different response protocols for different types of calls?

Technology Integration

Modern healthcare relies on a variety of systems working together in harmony. Your nurse call system should be able to integrate with:

• Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems
• Patient monitoring devices
• Staff scheduling software
• Other communication systems in your facility

Scalability 

Healthcare facilities often grow or change over time. A good nurse call system should be able to grow with you. Look for systems that:

Allow for easy addition of new rooms or units

Can handle increased call volumes as your facility expands

Offer software updates to add new features over time

Compliance

Healthcare is a highly regulated industry. Any nurse call system you choose must meet all relevant healthcare regulations and safety standards. This includes:

• Joint Commission standards
• HIPAA requirements for patient privacy
• Any state-specific regulations that apply to your facility

Choosing the right nurse call system can be complex, but it's an important decision that affects both patient care and staff efficiency. To choose an effective—not to mention compliant—system for your healthcare facility, consider working with experienced providers who can help you assess your needs and choose the best system.

Maintenance and Testing of Nurse Call Systems

Keeping your nurse call system in top shape is crucial for patient safety and staff efficiency. Regular maintenance prevents system failures, extends equipment life, and catches issues early. 

Here's what you need to do: 

• Set up a routine maintenance schedule and stick to it. 
• Keep logs of all maintenance activities - they'll help you spot patterns and predict potential problems. 
• Train your staff on basic troubleshooting. The quicker they can fix minor issues, the less downtime you'll face. 
• Have a plan ready for when bigger problems crop up. 
• Don't forget regular testing. Check all call buttons, pull cords, lights, and audio signals frequently. Make sure calls are routed correctly, and any integrated systems are working together smoothly. 

Remember, a well-maintained nurse call system isn't just about avoiding breakdowns. It's about ensuring your patients get the care they need when they need it. Regular upkeep protects your investment and keeps your facility running efficiently.

Streamline Operations and Improve Patient Care

Nurse call systems are the lifeline of modern healthcare facilities, bridging the gap between patients and caregivers. As technology evolves, these systems offer more than just a way to call for help—they're becoming integral to efficient, patient-centered care. 

When choosing and maintaining a nurse call system, consider your facility's unique needs, regulatory requirements, and future growth. Remember, the best system is one that's reliable, user-friendly, and well-maintained. 

For expert guidance on nurse call systems, reach out to Impact Fire. Our team can help you select, install, and maintain a system that enhances patient care and operational efficiency in your healthcare facility.