Using IT to improve out-of-hours care.

There are many challenges associated with providing out-of-hours care in hospital. Recognising the need to improve patient safety and clinical governance, Nottingham University Hospitals Trust has introduced IT to improve its Hospital at Night (HaN) service. Before this, the service suffered delays in care delivery and information inaccuracy, leading to safety concerns. These concerns were highlighted in two internal reviews of out-of-hours care undertaken at the trust. This article outlines how the technology has made the HaN service more efficient, safer, and improved staff satisfaction.