The already strained healthcare system took a huge step backwards with the pandemic, which caused a windfall of early retirements and exits from the healthcare field altogether. The long hours and the increased demands took their toll, and there is a very long road ahead to meet the demand for workers in the healthcare industry. One way to help reduce staff burnout is by using RTLS (real time location systems) technology.
Symtech Solutions offers the best life safety communication systems for hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. Since 1982, our team has been on the forefront of technology, keeping up with demand as the healthcare industry evolves. Below, we'll take a look at how RTLS technology can help ease the stress and burden placed on healthcare workers. Get started today!
Management of Assets
Nurses have reported spending hours a week looking for medical equipment that they need. Compounded over the course of a year, this is thousands of hours that could have been used to improve patient care. RTLS is very simple to implement. A tag is placed on the equipment that sends out a GPS signal that is then read by the system. This allows for all equipment to be found immediately and the location to be known at all times. The data on the use of the equipment can help improve workflow, too.
Automation Integrated into Nurse Call Systems
When RTLS technology is integrated with nurse call systems, hours can be saved, as well as monotonous tasks eliminated. For example, when a nurse or other allied health professional enters a room, the RTLS badge will automatically send a signal to the nurse call system that both cancels the call and then records the time so response time can be calculated for later analysis. This ensures the nurse does not forget to end the call and so the nurse can immediately pay attention to the patient. In addition to canceling nurse call events, it will provide staff presence and illuminate the dome lights. From the corridors staff can see what level of staff are in which room quickly.
Improving Staff Workflows
RTLS technology helps to improve staff workflow immensely, which improves patient care and HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) scores. This can be accomplished in many ways. For starters, the data collected holds a wealth of information on how your staff and equipment moves throughout the day. This can give you critical insight into patient volume, how long patients stay, patient wait time, how many rooms are being used, and how long patients spend with their healthcare provider. Wait times can be reduced, and staff do not have to remember to input certain trackers manually. This data can be the catalyst for process changes and help eliminate wasted time.
Implement Hygiene Tracking
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new feature of the RTLS capabilites was created. When staff are wearing their badge and wash their hands, the RTLS system can now record that. Ensuring that staff are adequitely meeting the facilities standards for hand hygiene.
PARTNER WITH SYMTECH SOLUTIONS TODAY
Symtech Solutions is passionate about helping your healthcare facility improve patient care with our life safety communication systems, including RTLS technology. We understand the value of efficiency and the elimination of mundane tasks that no one wants to do and that simply drags them down. With our top-rated life safety communication systems, your staff's workflow will be improved, headaches will decrease, and burnout will be held at bay. Let's face it, healthcare professionals entered the field to care for others, not be bogged down with paperwork. Let our experienced company help. Partner with us today!