Jennifer Matthews: It looks like something out of Star Trek, but it's really just a new device to make communicating with hospital patients a little easier. This voice-activated system allows patients to bypass secretaries and talk directly with their nurse.
Retty Casey: The improvement in communication is absolutely tremendous.
Jennifer Matthews: Another wireless device allows hospitals to quickly locate valuable equipment. Employees simply type the in what they need and the computer shows them where to find it.
Retty Casey: We can program perimeters of the building, so if something were to walk out the front door of the hospital, it would alarm, similar to if you were to leave a department store with a leather coat. It's the exact same technology.
Jennifer Matthews: To prevent medication errors, hospitals are also using smart IV pumps. Alarms sound if someone exceeds the programmed dose.
Surgeons often use cameras in laparoscopic surgeries, but now, doctors are also using them to perform open procedures. There's less chance of infection because surgeons don't have to peer over the body. This new system attaches cameras to overhead lights.
All this technology cost more than $8 million, but doctors hope to save money by reducing errors and ultimately improving care. I am Jennifer Matthews reporting.
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