Vocera Introduces Minibadge Hands-Free Device for Healthcare Workers

Vocera, now part of Stryker, has introduced the Minibadge, a wearable, voice-driven device that enables mobile workers to communicate completely hands-free.

The small, lightweight device, which can integrate with multiple clinical and operational systems, expands communication and collaboration solutions for frontline workers in healthcare and other mission-critical environments. The Minibadge works with Vocera smartphone apps.

"For more than 21 years, Vocera has led the way in hands-free communication, innovating on voice-driven solutions that simplify workflows and improve the safety and well-being of our customers and the people they serve," said Dave Lively, senior vice president of product management at Vocera, in a statement. "The Minibadge is a perfect example of that evolution. Its seamless compatibility with smartphones provides a valuable 'and' rather than 'or' option for organizations—empowering a broader spectrum of team members who need the flexibility to choose the best device for their assignment or task."

Like with the predecessor Smartbadge, care team members can wear the Minibadge under personal protective equipmenmt and initiate communication by saying "OK Vocera," followed by simple voice commands, such as "call room 102 nurse," "broadcast code blue," or "schedule a reminder to turn Mr. Jones." The Minibadge also enables team members to make and receive calls, collaborate with colleagues, listen to messages, and respond to alarm notifications completely hands-free..

"The Minibadge is a great option for healthcare workers who need to be completely hands-free while communicating and collaborating with colleagues," said David Augsburger, director of clinically integrated technology and systems at Major Health Partners (MHP), in a statement.