By: Ajit Itty, MD, vice president and chief medical officer at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn, Thompson Peak and Tempe medical centers

Starting Monday, Dec. 8, you’ll have a new tool to make your rounds more efficient: the Blue Button. This pilot is currently specific to HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center. Pressing the Blue Button will signal a nurse to join you, making collaboration easier than ever.

How it works

When you’re ready to round, press the Blue Button labeled “Dr In Room” on the Responder 5 Staff Terminal in a patient’s room to signal a nurse. They’ll join you within two minutes for real-time collaboration at the bedside.

Responder 5 Staff Terminal — Blue Button Rounding

What’s in it for you?

• Less back-and-forth throughout your day
• Fewer calls and pages
• Everyone hears the plan at the same time
• Faster decision-making
• Stronger partnerships with your nursing teams

Why are we implementing the Blue Button?

We’ve tested this protocol at HonorHealth Thompson Peak Medical Center with strong results, including significant time savings and more efficient workflows.

What to expect

Starting in two weeks, you’ll begin seeing Blue Button posters in physician/APP lounges, postcards above the terminal in patient rooms and handouts in new patient folders explaining how this protocol affects their care.

Pilot phase

Blue Button is launching as a pilot project, meaning there will be a period of learning, adjustments and refinements. We’re using a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework for continuous improvement, and we appreciate your patience as we optimize this tool. Special thanks to Morgan Whigham, MD, and Kimberly Collier, MD, for their leadership in preparing for this launch.

Mark your calendar

You’ll receive a reminder when Blue Button launches on Monday, Dec. 8.

Have questions before then? Contact your designated Blue Button champions.

• Physician champions: Morgan Whigham, MD, and Kimberly Collier, MD
• Nurse champions: Jody Johnson, Margo Varner and Nicole Croci

We’re looking forward to bringing this collaboration tool to you!