November 9, 2010 (Sydney, Nova Scotia) There are very few organizations that can say they have seen 113 years of change in their industry, but VON Canada (Victorian Order of Nurses) definitely can. Meticulous standards of practice have been developed, equipment that administers medications or treatments has been invented, and even the nursing uniform has been modernized.
Similar to other sectors, one of the more recent changes at VON has been adoption of new technologies that increase operational efficiency. At VON Canada, however, these newer innovations have not been limited to the office side of operations. In Cape Breton, VON nurses have started using BlackBerry mobile communication devices as part of their daily client care routines.
“There are unique operational requirements that make it possible for us to offer high-quality nursing care in the home,” says Elizabeth MacDonald, VON Cape Breton’s Executive Director. “We are always looking for ways to make the process more efficient so that the care experience is the best it can be – we believe the new BlackBerry devices will help us do this.”
The Cape Breton site is part of VON’s national pilot project introducing the communications devices to front line operations; Lunenberg and Halifax were also chosen to take part. Using special software, the devices will help reduce the amount of time nurses spend on paperwork, while also providing faster and easier communication with the team who plan the nurses’ schedules and client assignments. “What it means is that ultimately our nurses will have to spend less time on administration, leaving more time for client care,” says MacDonald. “Our nurses are thrilled to be part of this innovative pilot project and we are anxious to see the difference this communication tool will make at the front-line.”
In 2009, VON signed a two-year, $10 million agreement with IBM to help the organization transform the way home and community health care is delivered in Canada. The Cape Breton component of the clinical mobility pilot project uses BlackBerry devices and applications to support care delivery planning. IBM is providing process design, rollout coordination, training and overall project management and integration. After four months, a full evaluation of the project will help VON determine how it can make this solution part of front line home care across Canada.
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About VON Canada:
VON Canada is dedicated to being a leader in the delivery of innovative comprehensive health and social services and to influencing the development of health and social policy in Canada. VON is a national health organization and registered charity offering a wide range of community health care solutions that meet the needs of millions of Canadians. VON is accredited by Accreditation Canada.
Media inquiries:
Elizabeth MacDonald, VON Cape Breton Metro Executive Director
Phone: 902-562-8502 Email: elizabeth.macdonald@von.ca
Leslie Plant, IBM Media Relations
Phone 416-478-9840 Email: laplant@ca.ibm.com