LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — University of Michigan Health-Sparrow will be expanding a safety initiative that provides a “wearable panic button” to staff.
The device, made by Canopy, allows staff members to “quickly and silently request help if they feel threatened or in an unsafe situation,” according to UM Health-Sparrow. Now, staff members who work outside hospitals will have access to a new version of the device, Canopy Go.
The device, which will be introduced to hospice and home care employees, attaches behind staff ID badges and connects to a mobile app on UM Health-Sparrow phones.
“Our Home Care and Hospice team members provide critical care in often unpredictable environments, and they deserve the same level of protection as those working inside our hospitals,” said Chris Nemets, Regional Chief Nursing Informatics Officer, U-M Health, in a news release.
“Canopy Go bridges that gap. It’s a thoughtful, technology-driven solution that respects the unique challenges of field-based care while reinforcing our commitment to team member safety.”
Since the safety initiative began in August, 2,500 staff members in “higher-risk units” have received Canopy Protect devices, including staff in the Emergency Department, Behavioral Health, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and inpatient floors, according to UM Health-Sparrow.
UM Health-Sparrow says around 260 team members have used their device to request immediate assistance since the initiative began. The highest rates of use have been in the emergency department and behavioral health.
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