Using Technology Tools to Facilitate Patient Flow
Patient flow is the movement of patients through a health care system. It involves the medical services, physical resources, and internal systems that enable this movement. Patient flow is essential for providing quality care, reducing waiting times, and improving patient satisfaction. However, patient flow can also be challenging to manage, especially in complex and dynamic environments such as hospitals.
One way to improve patient flow is to use technology tools that can help coordinate, monitor, and optimize the processes involved. Technology tools can provide real-time data, feedback, and communication to support decision making and problem solving. Technology tools can also automate some tasks, reduce errors, and enhance efficiency. Some examples of technology tools that can facilitate patient flow are:
– Electronic health records (EHRs): EHRs are digital versions of patients’ medical histories, diagnoses, treatments, medications, and other information. EHRs can improve patient flow by enabling easy access, sharing, and updating of information among different health care providers and settings. EHRs can also reduce duplication, errors, and delays in documentation and billing.
– Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags: RFID tags are small devices that can be attached to patients, staff, equipment, or supplies. RFID tags can emit signals that can be detected by readers or scanners. RFID tags can improve patient flow by tracking the location, status, and movement of patients, staff, equipment, or supplies. RFID tags can also alert staff to potential bottlenecks, shortages, or delays.
– Smart beds: Smart beds are beds that have sensors and actuators that can measure and adjust the position, pressure, temperature, and other parameters of the bed. Smart beds can improve patient flow by enhancing the comfort, safety, and well-being of patients. Smart beds can also notify staff of any changes or needs of the patients.
– Telemedicine: Telemedicine is the use of telecommunications and information technology to provide health care services remotely. Telemedicine can improve patient flow by expanding the access, availability, and affordability of health care services. Telemedicine can also reduce the need for travel, transfers, or referrals of patients.
These are just some of the technology tools that can facilitate patient flow in health care settings. Technology tools can offer many benefits for improving patient flow, but they also require careful planning, implementation, and evaluation to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability.
References:
– Al-Hamdan Z., Oweis A., & Eid F. (2016: 2024 – Do my homework – Help write my assignment online). Using technology to improve patient flow in emergency departments: A systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Practice 22(6), 550-560.
– Asan O., Smith P.D., & Montague E. (2014: 2024 – Essay Writing Service | Write My Essay For Me Without Delay). More screen time, less face time – implications for EHR design. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice 20(6), 896-901.
– Mazzocato P., Holden R.J., Brommels M., Aronsson H., Bäckman U., Elg M., & Thor J. (2014: 2024 – Essay Writing Service. Custom Essay Services Cheap). How does lean work in emergency care? A case study of a lean-inspired intervention at the Astrid Lindgren Children’s hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. BMC Health Services Research 12(28), 1-13.
– Rivas H., Vazquez M., & Lopez-Guede J.M. (2017). Smart bed system for pressure ulcer prevention in hospital environments: A pilot study. IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics 21(5), 1359-1367.
