A plain-English guide

What is an electronic ward board?

An electronic ward board is the digital version of the whiteboard at the nurses’ station. It shows who is on the ward, where they are and what needs to happen next for each person, and it keeps up as things change.

What a ward board shows

  • Who is whereEach bed, who is in it and how long they have been on the ward.
  • Expected date of dischargeWhen each person is expected to be ready to leave, so the team can plan around it.
  • What is outstandingTests, reviews, referrals and other actions still to be done.
  • Risks and alertsThings the team needs to keep in mind for each person, at a glance.
  • Who owns the next stepSo nothing waits because everyone assumed someone else had it.

Why wards are moving on from whiteboards

The whiteboard has served wards well for years, but it has limits. It can only be seen on the ward, it relies on someone keeping it up to date by hand, and information on it often has to be typed into other systems as well. It can also put patient details on display where visitors can see them.

What a good electronic ward board does

  • Draws from the systems you already have, so staff are not typing the same thing twice.
  • Works for the ward huddle, with the information the team actually uses.
  • Can be seen by site and flow teams, not just the ward, so help goes where it is needed.
  • Keeps patient information appropriately private.
  • Makes discharge planning visible from the start of each stay.

How PA-IQ helps

PA-IQ helps healthcare organisations get more operational value from the systems they already have. We do not replace your electronic patient record. We bring the information already held across your systems into one operational picture, so teams can see what needs attention and act sooner.

  • WardIQ: ward and inpatient settings, including discharge planning.
  • HospitalIQ: site and escalation overview.

Start with the operational problem you need to solve. Add applications as you need them. Connect them through PA-IQ when you want a wider operational view.

Common questions

Does an electronic ward board replace the electronic patient record?

No. A ward board draws on the record and other systems to show the operational picture. The clinical record stays where it is.

What is the difference between a ward board and a bed board?

A bed board usually shows capacity across a hospital: which beds are free and where. A ward board goes deeper on one ward, showing each person and what needs to happen next for them.

Who uses an electronic ward board?

Nurses, doctors, therapists, ward clerks and discharge teams on the ward, and site and flow teams who need to see across wards.

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