Mobile app improves working conditions in Danish emergency department

A new Danish research project shows that a simple mobile app can significantly improve working conditions, communication, and task management in a hospital emergency department.

The study was recently published in the Danish Journal of Emergency Medicine and is based on experience from the Emergency Department at Aalborg University Hospital.

One of the major challenges in emergency care is the high workload, constant interruptions, and a lack of structured task management. Tasks are often passed on verbally – via phone calls, direct requests or colleagues who are busy with other patients.

Internal observations have shown that coordinating doctors were interrupted as many as 184 and 214 times respectively during a single 9-hour shift.

Three in four want to keep the app

The pressure on the healthcare system continues to rise, as an ageing population and staff shortages demand more efficient workflows. At the same time, the risk of burnout among emergency department staff is increasing.

Against this backdrop, Aalborg University Hospital took part in the development and clinical trial of a mobile app that could help create structure and reduce unnecessary interruptions – and has now documented the effect in a research project.

The Clinical Tasking app allows doctors and nurses to share, coordinate and follow up on patient-related tasks – including case discussion, triage, delegation, and handover of responsibility for patients.

Instead of assigning tasks verbally – by phone or in passing – messages and requests are now registered and distributed digitally. This gives the whole team a better overview, fewer distractions, and more time for patient care.

The study was conducted during real-life clinical shifts in a major emergency department, providing rare documentation of the concrete effect of a digital tool on working environment and workflow.

Potential for broader use

"We documented a clear improvement in working conditions with a relatively simple tool. It gave us better structure, overview, and focus – and this translated directly into higher job satisfaction," says Anne Lund Krarup.

The researchers behind the project believe the app has the potential to improve working conditions and efficiency in other hospital departments with similar workflows. This is particularly relevant at a time when the overall pressure on healthcare systems is expected to increase.

The Clinical Tasking app was developed in collaboration with Danish software company Systematic A/S. The research project was carried out by Aalborg University Hospital in partnership with the North Denmark Region and Systematic.