#United States #Pediatric Care #Kansas City #Children's Mercy #Helen App

Children's Mercy Launches the Helen App

Children's Mercy Kansas City, one of the leading independent pediatric health systems in the United States, has made a groundbreaking advancement in pediatric care with the launch of the Helen app. This innovative mobile application aims to alleviate the burden of non-clinical tasks from nurses, thereby allowing them to concentrate on delivering exceptional patient care. By directing non-medical responsibilities to a dedicated concierge team, the Helen app seeks to streamline workflows and improve the overall experience for both nurses and patients alike.

According to the hospital, nurses often dedicate nearly 30% of their shifts to activities that require no clinical expertise, such as fetching water, adjusting patient positions, or clearing out trash. This constant interruption not only adds to their cognitive load but also diminishes job satisfaction, a pressing issue in an era where the nursing shortage is expected to reach 63,000 by 2030. The Helen app addresses these challenges, proposing a solution that promises to create a more efficient and gratifying working environment.

Nurses can use the app to seamlessly submit various requests with just a few taps, which are then processed by a concierge team. Tasks range from delivering supplies and preparing rooms for new admissions or discharges to simple adjustments like opening curtains or turning on lights. This allows nurses to remain focused on what they excel at – providing compassionate and attentive care to their patients.

Dr. Alejandro Quiroga, President and CEO of Children's Mercy, emphasized the transformative impact of the app, stating, "Helen isn't merely a technological solution; it's a reimagining of how we can deliver care. By removing barriers and redistributing non-clinical tasks away from nurses, we grant them back invaluable time to think critically and engage deeply with families and patients. This shift is vital to cultivating joy in practice and redefining the standards of pediatric care."

Dr. Quiroga's insights reflect a broader dialogue on how clinician-led innovations can simplify the complexities of healthcare. His collaborative work with the Helen development team demonstrates a commitment to this philosophy, having previously implemented similar concepts at other healthcare institutions.

Jeff Bennett, CEO of Helen, elaborated on the app's functionality. He described it as a sophisticated, mobile-first operating system tailored specifically for the non-clinical workflows that often remain overlooked in healthcare settings. Recent trials revealed that the innovative technology of the Helen app allows ancillary service teams to operate at a productivity level three to four times greater than traditional methods. Moreover, it integrates seamlessly with existing care models, significantly reducing the non-clinical workload for nurses.

During a pilot program conducted across two inpatient units (comprising 52 beds) at Children's Mercy, the app yielded impressive results within the first 60 days: 75,000 minutes were reclaimed for nursing teams, over 14,000 tasks were completed, and each nurse gained back nearly an hour per shift, while also reducing the need for 1.4 million steps typically spent on non-clinical responsibilities.

Based on this success, the hospital plans to expand the app's usage to two additional floors in the near future, with a full rollout scheduled for Spring 2026.

Stephanie Meyer, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at Children's Mercy, highlighted the principle behind Helen's implementation. "This initiative acknowledges the vital role nurses play. By relieving them of non-clinical tasks, we enhance their ability to think clearly and critically during bedside care. This not only contributes to the sustainability of the profession but also fosters connections, compassion, and clinical excellence, equipping our nurses to offer the best possible care for our patients."

In addition to improving nurse efficiency, Helen also offers analytical insights by tracking every request made through the app, allowing for data-driven decisions in enhancing operational efficiency and resource allocation. Future updates of the app are anticipated to allow families to access non-clinical requests through various mobile platforms, further enriching the overall care experience.

About Children's Mercy

Founded in 1897, Children's Mercy is a nationally recognized, independent pediatric health institution revered for its advancements in pediatric research and patient care. With hospitals and specialty clinics throughout Missouri and Kansas, Children's Mercy emphasizes family-centered care and innovation, dedicating all profits to pediatric medicine research and training future specialists. Recognized consistently by U.S. News & World Report as one of America's best children’s hospitals, the organization empowers a team of over 800 pediatric professionals dedicated to creating a healthier future for all children.