The effectiveness of hospital whiteboards has been revealed through objective medical research and studies conducted at facilities that use them. The research regarding whiteboards as communication tools has revealed numerous beneficial effects, both on patients and healthcare workers. 

There are many ways both patients and hospitals can benefit from placing a whiteboard in every patient room. 

Greater Access to Information Increases HCAHPS Scores 

Whiteboards are one of the most valuable tools used in patient rooms, both in terms of patient satisfaction and facility HCAHPS scores. Studies have shown that, by implementing whiteboards in the hospital setting, patients gain valuable insight into their treatment, reducing their anxiety and making them more comfortable during their stay. Patients appreciate the information displayed on whiteboards in their room, which often includes caregiver names, meal and medication times, discharge dates and goals, and the approximate time at which nurses will enter their room at night (limiting unexpected sleep interruptions). 

When patients are given more information, they are more likely to be satisfied with their care. This leads to a valuable benefit to hospitals: higher HCAHPS scores. Since the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) heavily rely on HCAHPS scores when calculating reimbursements, hospitals are focusing on patient satisfaction to help drive profits. 

Nurses Become More Efficient 

Nurses serve many functions in hospitals, and studies have shown that a lot of their time is spent working with patients. When communicating with patients, whiteboards act as visual supplements that aid in delivering essential information. They also allow information to remain in view of patients after nurses have left the room. This eliminates communication gaps and barriers, which allows nurses to relay information quickly and effectively. 

Nurses walk 4-5 miles during an average shift. This includes backtracking to respond to patient call lights. Patient room boards help reduce call lights. One of the top reasons for call light assistance was pain management and medication by keeping patients informed of their treatment plan and schedule. This allows nurses to stay focused on other aspects of their job, all while providing better treatment to patients.

Safety: A Benefit for Both Providers and Patients

Patient safety is a huge concern for care providers, and it's always something that is on the minds of patients and their families, as well. Patient whiteboards help protect patients from hospital acquired conditions (HAC), such as falling, infections, etc. Patient fall risks can be addressed on whiteboards, alerting and educating staff and visitors on how much assistance a patient requires. Whiteboard notices can also help care teams and visitors understand the risks of infections and how susceptible patients are to infections at this stage of their treatment. Hospitals want to keep their patients safe, and whiteboards are a great tool to help them do so.

Place the Right Information on Your Board

Which information fields do patients and providers find useful in patient room boards? VividBoard has worked with facilities across the country. Our team fully understands what patients and hospital workers value in their whiteboard solution. Contact us to talk about your facility's whiteboard needs.