Healthcare providers are well aware of digital technology's potential to help reduce mounting costs spurred by persistent industry challenges, such as staff shortage and increasing care demand. 

But many of them are now becoming disillusioned with their use of technology as it turns out to be ineffective and inefficient, further compounding their problems while taking a huge chunk out of their budgets. 

Still, the potential of digital technology to reduce costs for providers remains a fact if only they know how to optimally and effectively harness them to target their needs. 

Ascom has released the latest version of its clinical smartphone that combines many functionalities of various hospital devices into one cost-effective device built to withstand a highly mobile, ad-hoc, and time-sensitive work environment. 

Multiple functionalities in one smartphone

Ascom Myco 4 is more than just a phone; it combines the features and functions of several devices into a single rugged, enterprise-grade smartphone – an ideal interface for staff and management who are looking for smarter communication and collaboration at work.

With a larger and more vivid 5.5-inch multi-colour and full HD LED display, Ascom Myco 4 allows users to easily distinguish alert types and priority levels and quickly access relevant and business-critical information, becoming more efficient, saving time and making better decisions in their daily work. 

It enables mission-critical communications with highly optimised wireless technology that ensures consistent connectivity for mobile staff. Its operating system, built on the Android Open-Source Project, embraces open industry standards that allow greater and seamless interoperability. 

This new model also features the most advanced personal alarm capabilities in a smartphone, having a manual alarm button prominently placed on top of the handset, a man-down alert function when a user is incapacitated, and an optional pull-cord alarm to prevent the device from getting snatched. A call-after-alarm function also allows responders to quietly listen in via discreet open mic. The device also has multiple built-in location technologies, including GPS, IR location, and Bluetooth Low Energy location, to pinpoint the user's last known whereabouts and direction. 

Additionally, the safety of patient health information is more than ever ensured with enhanced Android security with app sandboxing. Like the previous model, the Ascom Myco 4 also has hot-swappable batteries but with longer life, maximising workflow continuity without interruption. It also has better water, dust, and shock resistance and a higher-performance barcode scanner with LED illumination. 

With a robust design meant for shared and continuous use across multiple shifts and a much longer lifetime, Ascom Myco 4 not only improves operational efficiency and productivity but also helps reduce the total cost of ownership. 

"The Ascom Myco 4 has been developed to offer our customers superior business value, providing new and innovative features to enable greater workflow efficiency and improved safety and support for staff and patients," Ascom CEO Nicolas Vanden Abeele said.