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Anyone wanting to comment on the mobile phone policy at their institution??
I have found that most hospitals base their policies on hearsay and fear and not on evidence.
Several recent articles have come out proving that digital phones cause little interference with medical devices.
Meta-analysis (Med J Aust 2004;181:145-49)
No phones in that review caused critical interference (causing malfunctioning) of medical devices tested. Some caused "nuisance interference" (buzz, humm, or static on screen). But this was most commonly at distances less than 30 inches.
Even people with pacemakers can use cell phones now . . . manufacturers recommend using the opposite ear.
It has been said that there has never been a reported death from cell phone interference in a hospital, but yearly there are many deaths from miscommunication between medical staff. That says a lot.
My hospital permits phones in the front lobby, and bans them elsewhere.
Any comments?
I have found that most hospitals base their policies on hearsay and fear and not on evidence.
Several recent articles have come out proving that digital phones cause little interference with medical devices.
Meta-analysis (Med J Aust 2004;181:145-49)
No phones in that review caused critical interference (causing malfunctioning) of medical devices tested. Some caused "nuisance interference" (buzz, humm, or static on screen). But this was most commonly at distances less than 30 inches.
Even people with pacemakers can use cell phones now . . . manufacturers recommend using the opposite ear.
It has been said that there has never been a reported death from cell phone interference in a hospital, but yearly there are many deaths from miscommunication between medical staff. That says a lot.
My hospital permits phones in the front lobby, and bans them elsewhere.
Any comments?
