Computer on Wheels

Patients on wards at Addenbrooke’s are benefiting from an innovative new technology. The Computer on Wheels - or “CoW”, as it is affectionately known - has been trialled by clinicians during their ward rounds, enabling them to order and review any investigations, such as blood tests, at the patient’s bedside.

 

 

So far the CoW has been trialled by Dr Ewan Cameron and Dr Richard Biram, on C5 and G3. When compared with wards that weren’t on the trial, there have been 100 more same-day orders for tests. What’s more, 22% of patients had their investigation on the same day as it was ordered – this means faster diagnosis and treatment for all concerned.

 

Dr Biram, a consultant for elderly medicine, said: “Ward rounds were certainly more efficient, and we were able to request tests without members of the team having to wander off and miss important information. This has really improved team communication.”

 

The trial has been considered a great success by the clinicians, and there are now 10 CoWs on order, which will be rolled out across the Trust soon.

 

 

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