Using the paging system thoughtfully can make a very big difference to effective communication.
An environment in which staff are constantly interrupted in their work flow is a major cause of inefficiency,
distraction and has adverse effects on patient safety.

Do you really need to page someone?

• Could the matter wait until the ward round?
• Could you use the Electronic Medical Task Function in EMR?
• Don't use the telephone system for paging unless you have no access to a PC
• Don't call switchboard to page someone unless you really cannot track down
  the name/number of who you need to page via a PC.

When you do send a page  - think carefully about the content of the message.

Sending just a number (+/- a name) is very inefficient for the recipient

A good paging message contains

• The main message
  (Do not include patient details)
• The name, role, and location of the person who is paging
• An indication of the urgency
• A number to call back if needed
• An indication of the need for the recipient to call back

Below are some example paging messages.
The first 3 are poor, while the second 3 are much more appropriate.