Ideas That Work: A Cell Phone Policy for Patients and Escorts

HANG UP Signs placed throughout the facility are effective reminders to patient escorts about polite cell phone use.

A Cell Phone Policy for Patients and Escorts

You might have a policy that prohibits your staff from using cell phones in clinical areas, but what about patients and their escorts? Their talking or texting in pre- and post-op areas or during surgeon consults can be rude and disruptive. Cell phone usage can also disrupt medical equipment. We've hung signs throughout our facility that restrict visitor cell phone use to the lobby "as a courtesy to others." Compliance has been generally good.

Dianne Appleby, RN, BSM, MBA
Menomonee Falls (Wis.)
Ambulatory Surgery Center
[email protected]