The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Health and Prevention Ministry has selected Vocera technology, a provider of clinical communication and workflow solutions.

The selection is part of the ministry’s plans to enhance care team communication and optimise patient safety and operational efficiency.

In order to standardise care team collaboration, the ministry has decided on an expected enterprise-wide deployment of Vocera smartphone app and the new Vocera Smartbadge.

According to Vocera, its platform is capable of combining over 150 clinical and operational systems such as electronic health records, physiologic monitors, nurse call systems, ventilators and more.

UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention Hospitals Department Director Dr Kalthoom Al Balooshi said: “Our partnership with Vocera and the implementation of the company’s unique solutions represents a breakthrough in our digital transformation.

“Initial installation of the intelligent hands-free badges and communication platform exceeded our expectations. We are looking forward to expanding Vocera technology and standardizing communication across all our hospitals.”

Vocera’s wearable communication device Smartbadge has been first rolled out to Al Qassimi Hospital in the country.

Using Smartbadge, clinicians can make hands-free voice calls, manage clinical alerts and alarms, as well as send and receive secure messages.

The hospital, which has implemented the mobile device in its emergency department, has found a reduction in wait times and improvement in patient flow and satisfaction.

Dr Al Balooshi added: “Feedback from our clinicians about the Vocera solution has been very positive. It is has helped them save valuable steps and time.

“In addition to needing agility, our care teams needed a way to share patient information securely, and the Vocera Platform is the solution that is helping us solve this important issue.”