The link between patient experience and health outcomes is well-established: positive interactions enhance communication, adherence, and reduce readmissions, ultimately leading to improved results and greater provider profitability, according to a 2023 report from the National Library of Medicine. However, in the fast-paced hospital environment, particularly in the Emergency Department (ED), maintaining patient comfort can be challenging. Effective patient experiences also require swift, efficient communication that keeps patients well-informed about their care.
Traditional communication tools, such as whiteboards and television screens, have long been used in hospitals, but their limitations have become more apparent. Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) in Boston, which manages over 50,000 inpatient stays and 2.25 million outpatient encounters annually, has addressed these challenges with ePaper technology, like E Ink, through digital whiteboards. This implementation has resulted in quantifiable improvement of patient comfort, streamlined staff communication, and demonstrated energy savings, illustrating a substantial leap forward in patient experience and operational efficiency in one of the busiest and most stressful healthcare environments.
Challenges of Traditional Communication in the ED
In any ED, patients and families anxiously await information about their care, while doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are focused on delivering life-saving treatments. Whiteboards have long been an important communication tool to update patients on vital information like the names of caregivers, pending test results, and care plans. Despite their potential benefits, dry erase whiteboards in hospitals often go unused due to the time constraints of busy staff. As a result, patients are left in the dark about their care, which can increase their anxiety and negatively affect their hospital experience.
Research has shown that feeling informed and understanding what to expect is critical for patient comfort and satisfaction. The inability to update these whiteboards in real-time adds unnecessary stress to an already intense experience for patients and their families. It also exacerbates the ongoing issue of staff burnout, where healthcare providers are stretched too thin to maintain up-to-date communication methods.
Bringing Whiteboards into the Digital Era
To address these issues, BWH, in collaboration with technology partners eVideon, Avalue, and E Ink, explored the potential of digital whiteboards in its ED. The study incorporated 42-inch ePaper screens integrated with patient data systems, providing real-time updates on care plans, test results, and essential patient information. This digital whiteboard automatically retrieved data from the hospital’s electronic medical records (EMR), ensuring accuracy and reducing the burden on nurses to manually update information.
The integration of eVideon’s software and E Ink’s ePaper technology allowed the hospital to provide personalized, constantly updated, and easily readable information to patients and their families. Unlike traditional TV screens, which can emit a harsh glare and disrupt sleep, the digital paper technology mimics the appearance of printed text, offering superior eye comfort and usability in both bright and dim settings.
Impact on Patient Comfort and Satisfaction
The results of the study at BWH were overwhelmingly positive. Patients who had access to digital whiteboards expressed higher levels of satisfaction and comfort. Nearly all patients in the study (98%) reported that the digital whiteboard did not interfere with their ability to rest, a critical factor for recovery. Additionally, 70% found the digital whiteboard extremely helpful in understanding what was happening with their care.
The ability to display critical information such as care team details, lab results, and personalized updates helped patients feel more informed and in control, alleviating some of the anxiety that often accompanies an ED visit. This enhanced communication between healthcare providers and patients significantly improved overall patient satisfaction, which can have a lasting impact on hospital reputation and patient retention.
A More Efficient and Sustainable Future for Healthcare
Along with ePaper digital whiteboards proving to enhance patient communication and comfort, this type of technology can future-proof hospitals by boosting sustainability and overall efficiency, ultimately improving the bottom line. Unlike traditional LCD or LED screens, which consume substantial energy and can disrupt patients’ sleep with excessive light, ePaper uses minimal power. They only draw electricity when updating the display, making them a highly energy-efficient alternative. This efficiency translates into substantial cost savings on energy bills, a crucial consideration for hospitals focused on cost control and sustainable practices.
By adopting ePaper technology, hospitals not only improve patient satisfaction with clearer, more accessible information but also align with green purchasing goals, enhancing their environmental footprint. These types of screens, which can operate 24/7 with minimal energy use, support both sustainability and operational efficiency. The outcome of enhanced patient care and reduced energy costs makes ePaper digital whiteboards a forward-thinking investment for hospitals.
This can be implemented in versatile applications beyond emergency departments, benefiting patient rooms, waiting areas, and hallways. Using ePaper whiteboards, hospitals can create a more patient-centered, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable healthcare environment, paving the way for long-term success.
About John Marchesano
John Marchesano is the Strategic Partnerships Manager of Healthcare at E Ink, the maker of the e-paper used by BWH.