Nurse call button

Nurse call button

A nurse call button is a button found in hospitals and nursing homes that allows patients in health care settings to alert a nurse or other health care staff member remotely of their need for help. When activated, a signal alerts staff at the nurse's station, and usually, a nurse or nurse assistant responds to such a call. Some systems also allow the patient to speak directly to the staffer; others simply beep or buzz at the station, requiring a staffer to actually visit the patient's room to determine the patient's needs.

The nurse call button system is crucial in the healthcare industry as it promotes communication between patients and healthcare providers. It is an essential tool in every hospital room and is usually located near the patient's bed. The system is designed to be easy to use, even by patients who are weak or have limited mobility.

History

The nurse call button system has evolved over the years. The earliest systems were likely simple bell systems. Later systems might use a buzzer and light system. Modern systems are often integrated into a complex health informatics system, with both hardware and software components.

Function

The primary function of a nurse call button is to alert the nursing staff when a patient needs assistance. The system can also be used to call for emergency medical assistance. In some cases, the system may be linked to other systems in the hospital, such as the electronic health record system.

Types of Nurse Call Button Systems

There are several types of nurse call button systems, including:

• Basic Direct System: This is the simplest type of system, where the patient's call goes directly to the nurse's station.
• Two-way Intercom System: This system allows the patient and the nurse to communicate directly.
• Wireless Systems: These systems use wireless technology to transmit the call to a portable device carried by the nurse.
• Integrated Systems: These systems are integrated with other hospital systems, such as the electronic health record system.

See also

• Health informatics
• Electronic health record
• Nursing

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