Case study: U of Pittsburgh tests "smart rooms"

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is testing a new approach to sharing data with its clinicians, using a new type of patient room it calls a "smart room." The six new rooms, which are located in one of its suburban campuses, come equipped with a set of wall-mounted computer screens which display key data such as vital signs and medications. (The data displayed in the smart rooms comes from UPMC's EMR system.) Clinicians can retrieve information using voice-recognition software, but only get to see the information that's relevant to them. For example, a phlebotomist might only see lab orders.

The systems also provide information for patients, such as reminders suggesting that they ask for help getting out of bed if they're likely to fall. What's more, the system identifies which clinician or caregiver is entering the room, by reading an ultrasound device staff  members wear. Staff names are displayed on a wall-mounted screen placed in front of the patient.

While the systems are still in their pilot-testing phase, they've been successful enough that the facility plans to expand their use. UPMC executives expect to add 24 more smart rooms to their Shadyside facility by the end of March.

To learn more about the project:
- read this Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article

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