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IBM and Vocera Communications System Make Healthcare Workers More Effective
Wireless, hands-free communication system saves thousand of lost productivity hours
Markham, Ont. (April 22, 2005) - IBM Canada and Vocera Communications today announced an agreement that will bring new communication tools to healthcare professionals. Using IBM’s expertise in healthcare and systems integration, and Vocera’s unique communication technology, the companies will together provide healthcare organizations with wireless voice enabled capabilities to increase staff productivity, save time and improve patient care response times.
“Each year, a typical medical staff loses up to 3,400 hours of productivity because of communication delays,” said Sal Causi, Healthcare Business Executive, IBM Canada “These types of mobile VoIP solutions are making communication challenges disappear across a wide range of industries, but particularly in healthcare. By enabling medical staff to be more responsive and get information that allows them to make critical decisions sooner, this communication solution has the potential to contribute greatly to improved patient outcomes.”
The Vocera Communications System from Vocera Communications of Cupertino, CA includes the Vocera System Software and a two-ounce, clip-on communication badge that enables mobile workers within buildings or campuses to instantly and wirelessly speak with the resource they need. The system provides hands-free operation with the use of simple voice commands.
As a Vocera reseller IBM will provide consulting services to determine the customer’s workflow and communication requirements. IBM will also design and implement wireless data networks, integrating Vocera’s communication technology with the customer’s traditional voice system.
“A recent IDC survey of 50 hospitals found that by 2006, 23 of those polled expect to have wirelessly enabled systems,” said James Sharp, VP Research, IDC Canada. “This movement to wireless will enable instant mobile access to comprehensive, up-to-date patient data, and the latest medical references which will allow diagnosis and treatment decisions to be made sooner and more accurately, resulting in better, safer, more cost-effective patient care.”
Hospitals like St. Boniface in Winnipeg are currently piloting the Vocera system to help improve their productivity. 25 hospitals in the U.S. have also installed this technology.
“Our customers are seeking ways to improve productivity and efficiency using the best communication solutions available for in-building environments,” said Paul Scott, vice president of sales of Vocera Communications. “By teaming with IBM Canada, we are in position to deliver to customers a high-value solution that addresses the most important communication needs that hospitals are facing today.”
The Vocera Communications System combines the leading-edge technologies of wireless LAN, Voice over IP and speech recognition. It will operate over an 802.11b wireless LAN.
About IBM
IBM e-business consulting, technology, services and implementation expertise is helping improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery, while reducing costs and empowering patients. IBM is focused on delivering customized, flexible and scalable Internet-based solutions for healthcare providers, payers and pharmaceutical and life science companies of all sizes. To learn more please visit www.ibm.com/solutions/healthcare.
About Vocera Communications
Vocera Communications provides wireless communication systems that enable instant voice communication among mobile workers to leading institutions and companies requiring enhanced customer service, productivity, and teamwork. The company, headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., was founded in March 2000. For more information, please contact the company at (408) 882-5100, or visit the Web site at www.vocera.com.
Contact:
Leslie Plant
IBM Canada
905-316-4425
laplant@ca.ibm.com
Jan Rasmussen
Fleishman-Hillard for Vocera Communications
(816) 512-2238
rasmussj@fleishman.com
