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Mobile phones in the hospital – past, present and future
Author(s) -
Klein A. A.,
Djaiani G. N.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2044.2003.03079.x
Subject(s) - medicine , mobile phone , medical emergency , agency (philosophy) , phone , health care , medical equipment , internet privacy , nursing , telecommunications , philosophy , linguistics , epistemology , computer science , economics , economic growth
Summary The phenomenon of electromagnetic interference by mobile phones is real and potentially clinically significant. This has been recognised by the Department of Health and the Medical Devices Agency, leading to bans on phone use in hospitals. Current evidence suggests that mobile phones can cause malfunction of medical equipment, but only when used in close proximity. Allowing phone use in non‐patient care areas and improving staff education may improve compliance with hospital policies.