Effective communication is a persistent challenge within the healthcare sector. The lack of an efficient system for the seamless transfer of crucial information has led to operational inefficiencies and compromised patient care. In response to these issues, NHS England issued guidelines in August 2023, highlighting the importance of Critical Decision Systems (CDS) and digital transformation. Alertive, a provider of a secure digital communication system tailored for healthcare professionals, is positioned to align with and address these guidelines.¹
Traditionally, healthcare professionals have relied on outdated methods such as paging or ‘bleeps’ to convey critical alerts and notifications. However, these antiquated communication methods have become increasingly ineffective as healthcare technology advances to meet patient needs. The new NHS England guidelines, encapsulated by the “Six Is” framework (Inclusive, Intelligent, Interpretable, Integrated, Impactful, and Interoperable), underscore the urgent need for modernised communication systems adaptable to today’s dynamic healthcare environment.
Beyond its alignment with NHS guidelines, Alertive has demonstrated its ability to mitigate alert fatigue, a core concern in healthcare. Alert fatigue occurs when clinicians are overwhelmed with inappropriate alerts or excessive notifications, resulting in reduced response rates and diminished motivation (Khalifa and Zabani, 2016²). In a recent survey conducted at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the impact of Alertive on mitigating stress levels among healthcare staff is noteworthy. The survey results demonstrate that healthcare staff using Alertive reported levels of burnout 23.6% lower than non-users. When measuring levels of job-related stress, Alertive users reported scores an incredible 46.95% lower than staff who were not yet using the product. These statistics highlight the platform’s effectiveness in helping healthcare professionals navigate daily challenges and create a less stressful work environment.
NHS Trusts using the Alertive system have witnessed a substantial reduction in response times. Statistical data from Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust reveals that, on average, the time from delivering an alert to a response is just 2.2 minutes. Furthermore, 69.4% of alerts receive responses within 30 seconds of delivery, with 82% garnering responses in under 60 seconds. This is a substantial improvement compared to legacy communication solutions, with an average reduction of 8 minutes.
Another tangible impact of Alertive is the reduced time required to access critical pathology results. Norfolk and Norwich University NHS Foundation Trust reported a 98% reduction in the time needed to obtain these vital results. This efficiency empowers healthcare providers to make informed decisions more swiftly, benefiting patient care.
The testimonials from customers further underscore Alertive’s impact. John Wintour-Pittom, Head of Operations Trust Telecoms & Thames Net Services at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, boldly proclaims the successful challenge of skepticism and doubt, stating, “When we started our journey, there was a measure of – ‘it can’t be done.’ Slowly, together, we are challenging that myth; it can be done, and we have done it!” His words reflect the achievements made possible by Alertive’s digital technology, which extends beyond routine and emergency messaging to include initiatives such as documenting attendance at ward rounds and improving workload analysis across different roles.
Sources: