Staff perceptions of patient visibility systems in acute care settings.

Patient care visibility technology systems provide real-time information about patient admissions, discharges, transport, clinical activities and housekeeping services, in order to enhance patient care and flow. This article reports the results of a descriptive study that explored healthcare professionals' perceptions of and attitudes to a patient care visibility technology system in an acute care setting. The results indicate that staff find the system user friendly, and are positive about its staff- and patient-focused characteristics. Overall, positive staff perceptions and acceptance imply positive use of the system. This study forms the basis for further research on the effects on the patient-care outcomes of healthcare professionals' use of these systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]