Question: Communication technology significantly enhances clinical information flows by facilitating timely, accurate, and secure exchange of data among healthcare providers, thereby supporting high-quality patient care. In acute care settings, where clinical decisions must be made rapidly, streamlined communication technologies reduce delays, eliminate redundancies, and prevent medical errors. By integrating real-time communication with patient records, laboratory results, and imaging, these systems ensure that critical information is readily accessible, which supports continuity of care and effective clinical judgment. The integration of communication technology also mitigates risks related to fragmented care by establishing consistent documentation and communication channels across departments (De Benedictis et al., 2020).
Three contemporary communication technologies commonly employed in acute care include real-time location systems (RTLS), mobile clinical communication apps, and telepresence robots. RTLS allows healthcare staff to track equipment, personnel, and patient movements, improving workflow efficiency and emergency response coordination. Mobile clinical apps, such as Spok and Epic Secure Chat, facilitate secure voice, video, and text communication among clinicians, while integrating with electronic health records. Telepresence robots enable remote specialist consultations and family interaction in isolation units, addressing both clinical and psychosocial aspects of care. These technologies are integral to maintaining information flow under time-critical and high-pressure conditions (Al-Kofahi et al., 2022).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are transforming these communication platforms by embedding decision-support capabilities and automating routine workflows. AI can analyze communication patterns to identify bottlenecks or potential risks in information transfer, while machine learning can enhance predictive routing of alerts based on patient acuity and staff availability. These advancements promote proactive, personalized, and adaptive communication strategies that align with dynamic clinical demands, ultimately improving safety and operational effectiveness (Al-Kofahi et al., 2022).
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