7 Ways RTLS Improves Healthcare with Application Interoperability

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7 Ways RTLS Improves Healthcare with Application Interoperability

As the healthcare sector is continuously adopting new technologies to improve care, a careful examination of the effectiveness of digital advancements becomes imperative. Amid this review, the convergence of Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), automation and application interoperability emerges as a transformative influence, redefining the operational landscape of healthcare facilities.

 

What is Interoperability in healthcare?

In healthcare, interoperability denotes the capacity of diverse information technology systems and software applications to communicate, exchange data, and utilize the

shared information efficiently. This involves the seamless sharing of health information among various healthcare systems, encompassing electronic health record (EHR) systems, medical devices, and other health information technologies.

 

The integration of location services

The incorporation of location, status and sensory data into existing technological frameworks is key for achieving improved operations in the healthcare sector. This integration serves as a central requirement, facilitating the efficient coordination of diverse components within the system. By strategically merging location data with pre-existing technological investments, healthcare facilities can optimize operational processes and enhance the experience of caregivers and patients.

 

With this foundational understanding, let’s delve into the pivotal role that RTLS plays within this framework. We will highlight the top 7 aspects of RTLS that affirm its significance within the broader context of interoperability and its transformative impact on healthcare operations.

 

1. Unified Integration Standards

The RTLS system should smoothly sync with and enhance the current technologies and IT infrastructure in healthcare settings. It ought to seamlessly meld into the existing IT framework, creating a fluid and engaging partnership with other technological components used in the healthcare facility. This ensures a seamless exchange of information among diverse healthcare systems, streamlining the often-tricky process of integrating data in healthcare environments

 

2. User-Friendly Adoption

Streamlining workflows becomes more than a convenience when RTLS applications can prioritize user-friendly features to accelerate adoption. By minimizing training periods and creating an environment favorable to technology acceptance, healthcare staff can efficiently incorporate RTLS into their routines, leading to increased productivity and satisfaction.

 

3. Resource Optimization

Beyond its location tracking capabilities, an effective RTLS solution addresses the challenge of resource optimization. By providing insights into asset utilization, staff allocation, and equipment availability, healthcare facilities can minimize unnecessary expenses, ensuring a more efficient allocation of resources.

 

4. Real-Time Patient Data Access

The automatic integration of location data with Electronic Health Records (EHR) is likely the most critical of all. This integration empowers healthcare providers with timely and accurate information, enabling them to make informed decisions promptly. By bridging the gap between RTLS and EHR, this approach enhances patient care and significantly contributes to more efficient and effective healthcare delivery. This advanced integration can also automatically populate billing and coding needs natively, saving administrative time and ensuring invoicing is accurate.

 

5. Facilitated Communication

Integrating functionalities such as nurse call systems and staff duress alerts with the RTLS network adds an additional layer of communication efficiency. This ensures that healthcare staff can promptly respond to patient needs or emergencies, further enhancing the overall responsiveness and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

One study ¹ had showed that the majority of a nurse’s time, specifically 38.6% (equivalent to 214.2 minutes), was observed to be spent at the nurse station, with less than one-third (171 minutes) allocated in the patient room. This highlights an opportunity for RTLS to play a crucial role in optimizing a nurse’s time, redirecting their efforts towards more valuable actions.

 

6. Proactive Security Measures

In healthcare settings, RTLS systems should make security a top priority. They safeguard both staff and patient information, keep tabs on activities, and offer administrators improved visibility. This enhanced visibility empowers administrators to take proactive measures, ensuring comprehensive safety and adherence to data protection standards.

 

7. Strategic Investment

Viewing RTLS solutions as strategic investments involves aligning them with the long-term vision and goals of healthcare facilities. Beyond immediate gains, this approach considers the scalability, adaptability, and future-proofing of the technology, ensuring that the investment continues to add value as the healthcare landscape evolves.

 

 

Technology Talks: BLE 5.1 for Simplicity and Affordability

At the core of the user-friendly and cost-effective nature of RTLS applications lies Bluetooth Low Energy 5.1 (BLE). This technology not only guarantees technical robustness but also ensures compatibility with ease. BLE 5.1, with its array of versatile tags, minimal power consumption, and extensive compatibility, serves as the foundational element enabling RTLS applications to seamlessly integrate into healthcare settings. This harmonious integration is a testament to the interoperability facilitated by BLE 5.1, providing both technical excellence and adaptability within the healthcare environment.

SEE ALSO: https://penguinin.com/ultra-wideband-uwb-vs-bluetooth-low-energy-ble-5-1/

 

 

Penguin Location Service ™

In the realm of healthcare, the thoughtful application of real-time location tracking can make a significant impact on staff and patient safety, as well as operational efficiency. This is where Penguin steps into space, offering a thoughtful approach to healthcare. PenTrack, a family of products, is caringly designed to provide not just prompt but also cost-effective results. We offer the necessary hardware along with our advanced AI-powered location engine, ensuring efficiency and precision. Our solutions seamlessly integrate into physical and software environments with minimal disruption, aligning perfectly with diverse settings.

 

Discover the thoughtful future of healthcare with Penguin. Book your free consultation today: [email protected]

 


References 

1. Hendrick A, Chow M, Skierczynski B, and Lu Z. A 36-Hospital Time and Motion Study: How Do Medical-Surgical Nurses Spend Their Time? The Permanente Journal. 2008;12(3):25–34.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408320/#B1

RTLS – Minimize the Risk of Healthcare-associated Infections (HAI)

Healthcare facilities constantly strive to enhance patient safety and minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) have emerged as a valuable technology in this quest, offering innovative solutions to monitor and manage various aspects of hospital operations.

 

The Burden of Healthcare-Associated Infections

HAIs pose a serious threat to patient well-being, adding to the complexity and cost of healthcare delivery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in 31 hospitalized patients in the United States acquires at least one HAI [1]. These infections not only compromise patient recovery but also strain healthcare resources.

Read more about the CDC guidelines

 

How do RTLS Solutions Operate? And which technology is the most suitable?

Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) employ various technologies to implement location-based solutions. Each technology has its merits and drawbacks primarily based on the accuracy at cost tradeoff (initial investment and operational). Example RTLS technologies include Ultra-wideband (UWB), Ultra-sonic, Infra-Red and RFID.

In our pursuit of an optimal solution, PenguinIN has developed its own RTLS solution using Bluetooth Low Energy 5.1 (BLE 5.1) with healthcare in mind. Today, PenguinIN’s sub-meter positioning accuracy is the underlying enabler for HAI prevention solution offered by PenguinIN.

Learn more: BLE 5.1 vs UWB

 

RTLS applications for minimizing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)

 

Asset Tracking:

RTLS systems assist in monitoring the movement and usage of medical equipment, ensuring that devices are properly cleaned and disinfected between uses. By maintaining a digital record of equipment locations and usage, healthcare facilities can implement stringent protocols for equipment hygiene, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

 

People Tracking

Real-time location tracking of patients allows healthcare providers to monitor their movements throughout the facility. This is particularly crucial in quarantine scenarios where isolating patients with contagious diseases is necessary. RTLS systems enhance the ability to implement effective isolation measures, limiting the spread of infections within the hospital environment.

 

Staff Monitoring:

Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in preventing the transmission of infections. RTLS systems enable the tracking of staff movements, ensuring that hygiene protocols are adhered to consistently. This includes monitoring hand hygiene compliance and optimizing workflows to minimize unnecessary exposure to infectious agents.

 

Workflow Optimization:

RTLS technology helps streamline hospital workflows by providing real-time insights into the movement of patients, staff, and equipment. By optimizing the flow of people and resources, healthcare facilities can reduce congestion, improve response times, and ultimately enhance infection control measures.

 

 

PenguinIN

By leveraging the capabilities of real-time location tracking, hospitals can implement proactive measures to reduce the risk of infections, improve patient safety, and enhance overall operational efficiency. This is where PenguinIN comes in. Our adopted technology (PenTrack) is mastered to ensure swift and affordable solutions. We provide the hardware, and grant accesses to our state-of-the-art algorithms that insure efficient and accurate results. Integrating seamlessly into physical and software environments to accommodate our solutions with near zero-overhead.

 

Get a free consultation today: [email protected]

Indoor Navigation Solutions for Patient-Centric Healthcare Experience

In the pursuit of putting patients at the center of the healthcare experience, healthcare institutions confront the challenge of guiding individuals through their large, intricate buildings with multiple floors and interconnected sections. Even healthcare workers, whether they are temporary or long-serving staff, sometimes encounter difficulties navigating hospital facilities. However, it is often the patients who struggle the most with finding their way.

Historically, hospitals relied on conventional methods like signage and getting assistance from individuals at the front desk to address navigation issues. Nevertheless, these approaches had their limitations and didn’t consistently offer straightforward navigation solutions.

In today’s healthcare landscape, a noticeable transformation is underway. There is a growing emphasis on enhancing the patient’s journey through the adoption of smarter solutions. Contemporary healthcare facilities are incorporating technologies such as location data and user-friendly Bluetooth-enabled applications to assist patients, their families, and the staff.

 


Use-Cases for Indoor Navigation in Healthcare

Indoor navigation solutions in healthcare boast many use-cases, each contributing to a more efficient and patient-centric healthcare experience.

Seamless Patient Wayfinding: The most apparent use-case is guiding patients through the complex layout of hospitals. Real-time, step-by-step directions within a hospital app alleviate patient anxiety and ensure they reach their appointments or desired destinations without hassle.

Accessibility Enhancement: Indoor navigation empowers patients with mobility challenges by providing accessible routes and live updates. It promotes inclusivity, reducing anxiety and saving valuable time for individuals who require extra assistance.

Location-Based Messaging: In addition to wayfinding, indoor navigation apps can offer location-based services to create a more contextual patient journey. The apps can offer notification features to make suggestions and alert users when they get near a significant point of interest (POI).

Integration with Electronic Health Records (EHR): Indoor navigation solutions can integrate with a hospital’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. This allows patients to access their appointment details, medical history, and test results through the navigation app, providing a comprehensive healthcare experience in one place.

Emergency Preparedness: In critical situations like emergencies or Code Blue scenarios, indoor navigation equipped with Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) provides instant information on the nearest available personnel and proper emergency procedures. This timely response can make substantial results.

 

The Outcome of Indoor Navigation in Healthcare

The implementation of indoor navigation solutions yields both short-term and long-term outcomes, significantly enhancing the patient experience.

Short-Term Benefits:

  • Efficiency: Patients can navigate the hospital quickly, reducing their length of stay therefore contributing to reducing wait-times for other patients and reducing missed appointment rates.
  • Reduced Anxiety: The ease of finding their way decreases patient stress, improving their overall experience.
  • Enhanced Staff Productivity: Hospital staff will also be equipped with such navigating tools to reach their destinations at a quicker time and they can focus on patient care instead of providing directions, leading to better service.

Long-Term Outcomes:

  • Patient Loyalty: Enhanced patient experiences foster loyalty, with patients more likely to return for future healthcare needs.
  • Positive Reputation: Hospitals that prioritize patient experience through indoor navigation build positive reputations, attracting more patients.
  • Streamlined Operations: Over time, hospitals with efficient indoor navigation systems benefit from improved operational efficiency, scoring better HCAHPS scores, and guarantee compliance with top-standard programs.

 

Psychological Effects on Patients and Healthcare Staff

Indoor navigation solutions in healthcare exceed mere convenience; they have a profound impact on the psychological well-being of patients. One of the leading causes of in-hospital stress arises from their unfamiliarity with the surroundings [1]. While hospitals cannot entirely eliminate this unfamiliarity, they can offer a solution that promotes transparency. Providing patients with an outline of the facility and offering a step-by-step guide through it can undeniably alleviate this challenge.

Improved Staff Satisfaction: These solutions play a pivotal role in boosting the job satisfaction of healthcare staff, particularly newcomers to the team and those who are still in training.

– It was found that there is a positive association between education and a demand for navigation improvements, either through mobile applications or other ways. Respondents with tertiary education were more interested in navigation improvements and more willing to use mobile navigation applications. [2]

By providing a reliable means for staff members to confidently navigate intricate hospital environments and being relieved from the duty of guiding patients, these solutions effectively alleviate stress. This not only eases their transition but also grants them more time to focus on providing superior medical services and dedicating themselves to learning and training. Consequently, healthcare professionals experience increased job satisfaction, fostering an environment where they can excel in their roles and continually enhance their skills.

 

The ROI of Indoor Navigation in Hospitals

When evaluating the return on investment (ROI) for indoor navigation in healthcare, it’s essential to consider various financial aspects. Here, we outline key points to illustrate the financial advantages:

Cost Savings: Implementing indoor navigation technology significantly reduces operational costs associated with traditional physical signage. Healthcare facilities typically rely on costly physical signs and allocate staff to guide visitors. These expenses include initial sign creation, updates, printing maps, and maintaining staff for visitor inquiries. With digital navigation tools, these costs diminish significantly, as digital maps can be easily updated at no extra expense. This not only reduces the reliance on physical signs but also minimizes ongoing expenditures.

Improved Staff Efficiency: Beyond cost savings, indoor navigation technology enhances staff efficiency by automating the process of guiding patients and visitors. With digital navigation tools in place, healthcare personnel can allocate their expertise where it matters most—providing patient care and medical assistance. This reduction in staff time spent on giving directions and answering questions contributes to cost savings and allows healthcare professionals to focus on their core responsibilities.

Increased Revenue: Indoor navigation solutions enhance the overall patient experience. A more positive experience results in higher patient satisfaction, which in turn can lead to increased patient retention and referrals. These satisfied patients are more likely to return for future healthcare needs, thus contributing to higher revenue for the healthcare facility.

 

The Advantage of integrating Indoor Navigation Solutions with Existing Healthcare Systems

The integration of indoor navigation with various healthcare systems, including duress call, registration, and more, offers a comprehensive technical advantage. It streamlines data sharing and system compatibility, creating a unified healthcare environment. This automation enhances patient safety by expediting emergency responses and improves administrative efficiency by automating tasks like patient registration. Furthermore, it optimizes resource allocation and reduces operational costs. In essence, this technical integration fosters a cohesive healthcare ecosystem, benefiting both patients and hospital operations.

 

Indoor Navigation Technology: PenguinIN‘s BLE Beacon-Based Solution

When it comes to indoor navigation in healthcare settings, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) solutions emerge as the preferred choice. By adhering to BLE standards and leveraging PenguinIN’s advanced algorithms, healthcare facilities can access state-of-the-art smart solutions. Let’s delve into the exceptional features of BLE technology.

Precision: BLE beacons offer excellent accuracy in tracking real-time positions, even within intricate and multifaceted structures. This precision ensures seamless navigation for users, with their location displayed accurately on the screen.

Efficiency: BLE solutions are renowned for their minimal power consumption, resulting in extended beacon lifespans and reduced maintenance requirements.

Scalability: BLE beacon networks can effortlessly expand to accommodate the evolving needs of healthcare facilities. This adaptability ensures a scalable solution that grows with the institution.

Compatibility & Mobile Usage: BLE technology seamlessly integrates with established hospital systems, thereby improving overall connectivity and promoting a unified healthcare environment. The versatility of BLE solutions extends to mobile phones, ensuring accessibility for a broad user base. Furthermore, many BLE applications are compatible with existing hospital apps, potentially driving increased downloads and engagement with local hospital applications.

Learn more: Do you want patients to download your hospital app?

Reduced Disruptions: Thanks to its low power consumption, BLE technology minimizes disruptions to healthcare services, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted care for patients.

 

As healthcare institutions increasingly prioritize patient-centric care, indoor navigation solutions are becoming valuable tools for improving the healthcare experience for both patients and staff. These solutions enable immersive features such as location-based messaging and data analysis, empowering healthcare administrators to make informed, data-driven decisions and gain valuable insights from the movements of personnel within the facility. Additionally, location-based messaging has the potential to enhance the educational processes in university hospitals, providing a multi-layered approach to improving healthcare services.

 


 

Get in Touch 

Among the diverse sectors we specialize in, PenguinIN provides a healthcare-focused indoor navigation system. Our PenNav indoor wayfinding solution seamlessly integrates with your hospital’s existing applications and overall IT systems. To schedule a personalized one-on-one session, please send a message to [email protected] today.

The Impact of Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) on Emergency Department Operations

Efficiently managing emergency department (ED) wait-time is a global healthcare challenge. Statistics reveal the extent of the issue: In the US approximately 78.3% of all patients and 66.9% of those needing immediate attention within one hour are seen by a physician within the recommended time frame in the median ED. Furthermore, only 30.5% of EDs manage to consistently meet triage targets for over 90% of their patients, with a mere 13.8% achieving this benchmark for patients triaged for a one-hour window. [1]

These delays could have profound consequences, affecting patient outcomes, hospital reputation, and financial viability. However, PenguinIN offers an innovative solution: Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), PenTrack.

RTLS technology optimizes resource allocation, streamlines patient pathways, and improves operational efficiency, enhancing ED management to help hospitals not only meet but exceed triage and admission targets while simultaneously boosting their bottom line.

Here is what RTLS Solutions offer to hospitals, resolving ED problems and enhancing patient experience:


1. Enhanced Patient Flow: Optimizing Processes

RTLS offers precise patient tracking within the ED, minimizing bottlenecks and reducing wait times, thereby streamlining patient flow.

2. Reduced Patient Length of Stay (LOS): Faster Care Delivery

Through streamlined processes and timely care, RTLS contributes to shorter patient LOS, enabling quicker bed turnover and increased ED capacity.

3. Resource Allocation: Efficient Utilization

Real-time monitoring of staff, equipment, and patient locations through RTLS ensures the efficient allocation of resources, preventing overstaffing and optimizing resource usage.

4. Improved Patient Satisfaction: Elevating the Experience

Enhanced ED efficiency, facilitated by RTLS, fosters patient satisfaction, fostering trust and loyalty among patients.

5. Billing Accuracy: Precise Financial Transactions

Accurate tracking of patient movements and treatments via RTLS ensures precise billing, reducing the risk of revenue loss due to errors.

6. Data-Driven Decision Making: Informed Optimization

RTLS generates valuable data for analysis, allowing hospitals to make informed decisions, optimize processes, and improve patient care.

7. Reduced Diversions: Efficient Patient Management

Effective patient flow management with RTLS reduces the need for diversions during peak times, ensuring continuous ED operation and revenue generation.

8. Improved Compliance and Documentation: Meeting Standards

RTLS enhances compliance with regulatory requirements and documentation standards, reducing the risk of penalties and revenue loss due to non-compliance.

9. Enhanced Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Coordination: Seamless Transitions

RTLS facilitates improved coordination with EMS providers, leading to faster patient transfers and better communication, ultimately optimizing ED resource utilization.

 

In the healthcare domain, RTLS stands as a valuable tool, streamlining ED operations and improving patient care. While the benefits are evident, successful implementation requires careful planning and tailored monitoring to align with each hospital’s unique needs and objectives.

 

To learn more about our services for Healthcare, visit: https://penguinin.com/industries/healthcare-facilities
Request a call with us to know more at: [email protected]

1 Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2830619/

Getting Patients to Download Your Hospital App – Guaranteed App Features & Marketing Approach

Healthcare institutions are increasingly leveraging technology to enhance patient experiences and streamline medical services. One powerful tool in this pursuit is the hospital app. That’s why two-thirds of the largest US hospitals offer mobile health apps [1].

These apps hold potential benefits for patients and staff. Yet, creating a successful app is just the start. To maximize its gains, you must prioritize adoption. This article details strategies to boost your hospital app’s uptake. Furthermore, we’ll explore how PenguinIN enhances app services, addresses concerns, and integrates seamlessly to elevate app adoption.

 

Building the App – Things to put in mind when developing the App:


Understanding User Needs and Pain Points

Your primary goal should be focused on enhancing the patient experience, making it more convenient for them to consume data and manage their health concerns. Step into the shoes of a patient within your hospital. Consider what might be lacking in the current setup. How can processes be simplified and made more accessible? Are there services that would significantly benefit patients and should not be overlooked?

This perspective should also extend to healthcare personnel. Given the demanding nature of their work, it’s important to find ways to collaborate with them in order to optimize their daily tasks. How can you work together to create smoother operations?

Crafting a User-Centric App

A user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation are key components of an app that users will embrace. Aim to create an app that not only provides value but also makes interactions effortless and enjoyable. Make sure that the app’s design aligns with the diverse user demographics it aims to serve.

Prioritizing Security and Privacy

Highlighting the utmost significance of Security and Privacy in the context of hospital apps cannot be overstated. It’s crucial to convey and assure users that their data is safeguarded and kept entirely confidential. Place special focus on collaborating with well-versed cloud service providers and upholding a centralized, fully controlled database to thwart any potential data breaches.

 

Incorporating Value-Added Features


Now that we looked at what you should consider when building the app, now let’s talk features.

Hospital apps can include an array of services, which in time can be updated and added to adapt to constant needs. Think of COVID, a sudden epidemic that made hospitals a hazardous environment with most cases spreading in healthcare facilities and quarantine zones. Apps emerged as an essential part for infection control and contact tracing

Let us look at some added value features that can lure your patients to download the app, focusing on what we know best at penguinIN having witnessed the result of our features firsthand with our clients.

Patient-Centric Health Records: The hospital app becomes a personalized portal, granting patients access to their health records, test results, and medication reminders. This transparency strengthens patient’s relationship with your hospital, elevating their level of engagement and commitment to their treatment plans.

Appointment Management: By allowing patients to effortlessly schedule, reschedule, or cancel appointments through the app from data provided in real time, healthcare providers will have streamlined operations and reduced no-show rates. Patients are drawn to the convenience and empowerment the app grants them in managing their healthcare needs.

Telemedicine: People value the feeling of empowerment, especially when dealing with illness. Telemedicine has the potential to streamline processes for patients, engaging them more profoundly in their healthcare journey. This thoughtful approach can bring significant results and help build a loyal customer base.

Hospital apps open doors to the realm of telemedicine, enabling patients to access virtual consultations with healthcare professionals. This digital frontier democratizes healthcare access and proves necessary, especially during unexpected challenges.

Indoor Navigation for Patients: Picture this scenario: a patient enters the vast, convoluted halls of a hospital, clutching their appointment details with a slight feeling of anxiety. How can you ensure they have a seamless journey from the entrance to their designated destination? Enter Real-Time Patient Wayfinding, an integral feature embedded within the hospital app.

With the tap of a finger, patients gain access to precise, step-by-step directions to their appointments and various hospital departments.

Indoor Navigation Empowering Accessibility Where It Matters Most: These apps empower patients, especially those with mobility challenges, by providing step-by-step directions to their destinations. With live updates and accessible routes, individuals can navigate the hospital confidently, reducing anxiety and saving time.

| Learn More: Click Here

Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) Features: When it comes to boosting efficiency and ensuring patient safety, Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) take the lead. Utilizing an intricate network of advanced sensors, intelligent tags, and cutting-edge communication technologies, RTLS enables unparalleled real-time tracking within healthcare facilities – encompassing medical equipment, staff, and even patients.

Hospital apps equipped with RTLS functionalities facilitate precise resource allocation and utilization, leading to optimized operations and, most importantly, improved patient safety and satisfaction. In dire situations, such as emergencies or Code Blue scenarios, RTLS prepares healthcare professionals and supports patients with instantaneous information on nearest available personnel and proper emergency procedures. The outcome is a timely response that can spell the difference in outcome in challenging scenarios.

 

 

How to Market Your Hospital App Successfully


Having comprehensively addressed the fundamental aspects of constructing a hospital app and incorporated distinctive features that set your platform apart and cater to critical healthcare aspects, let’s delve into methods to ensure your app gains traction. Additionally, we will introduce you to some of the techniques employed by PenguinIN to encourage patient downloads of hospital apps.

Feature Branding: Feature branding involves emphasizing and promoting distinct features or functionalities of a product or service as integral components of its brand identity. Let your partners serve as your advocates. PenguinIN ensures effective marketing of the added services, with a focus on a particular feature having the potential to enhance the app’s appeal to patients. This ensures the spotlight is on specific features that can attract a larger user base.

Wi-Fi Landing Page: By utilizing Wi-Fi landing pages strategically, you can encourage users connecting to the hospital’s network to download the app. These pages can feature a compelling call to action, highlight the app’s benefits, and offer incentives for immediate download. This direct approach takes advantage of users’ connection to increase app downloads effectively.

QR Codes: Leveraging QR codes can boost hospital app downloads by providing instant access. Users can scan the QR code, directing them straight to the app download page. This seamless process capitalizes on their immediate interest and simplifies the download experience, enhancing app adoption.

Leverage User Reviews and Ratings: Monitor and respond to reviews, addressing any concerns or issues promptly. Additionally, consider showcasing some of the most positive reviews on various promotional channels to build confidence among potential users.

Staff Education: Incorporate staff education and advocacy into your app promotion strategy. Train hospital staff, including doctors, nurses, and administrative personnel, to become advocates for the app. Staff can play an important role in promoting the app during patient interactions.

Traditional Print Promotion: Cards and flyers effectively drive hospital app downloads. Placed in waiting areas and across the hospital, they directly engage patients and visitors. With clear calls to action, app benefits, and QR codes for swift access, this tangible approach enhances visibility and spurs app adoption.

 


 

At PenguinIN, we employ these methods to market our clients’ apps. Beyond just providing features, we genuinely believe our services enhance patient experience. This shared objective becomes a cornerstone when you choose to collaborate with us.

Learn more about what PenguinIN offers for healthcare and how we can partner with you to elevate your hospital application: Click Here

 


Source:

1 .. https://newsroom.accenture.com/news/us-hospitals-engaging-only-2-percent-of-patients-via-mobile-apps-putting-as-much-as-100-million-in-annual-revenue-per-hospital-at-risk-accenture-finds.htmAccenture

ROI and Use Cases: Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) in Healthcare

As we address pain points that can be solved with RTLS, we naturally gravitate towards healthcare problems. In today’s world, having a well-structured digital foundation is vital. The use of RTLS is gradually becoming an essential addition to every healthcare facility, prioritizing patient safety and optimizing services while ensuring smooth operations where mistakes are minimized. This article provides insights into the important use cases of RTLS solutions and the quantifiable ROI it brings.

 

Use Cases

Asset Management and Optimization: RTLS enables precise tracking and management of crucial medical assets, such as infusion pumps, wheelchairs, and monitoring devices. By efficiently locating and monitoring these assets in real-time, healthcare facilities experience reduced downtime, minimized equipment loss, and increased asset utilization rates.

Enhanced Patient Safety: With RTLS, patient safety takes center stage. Hospitals can monitor patient movements, prevent elopement incidents, and optimize patient flow. Real-time alerts and notifications ensure timely responses to emergencies, fostering an environment of enhanced patient security and care.

Streamlined Workflows: RTLS optimizes staff movements, streamlining workflows and resource allocation. This leads to reduced wait times for patients, improved staff productivity, and ultimately, better patient experiences.

Contact Tracing: RTLS plays a critical role in maintaining infection control protocols within healthcare facilities. By tracking the movements of medical staff and patients, hospitals can quickly identify and contain potential outbreaks. RTLS data can also be used to analyze patterns of contact and potential transmission, facilitating targeted interventions to prevent the spread of infections.

Hand Hygiene Monitoring: Hand hygiene compliance is vital for patient safety. RTLS enables real-time monitoring of healthcare professionals’ handwashing practices, ensuring adherence to protocols and reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Immediate feedback promotes a culture of awareness, enhancing patient outcomes. Analyzing compliance trends aids staff training, elevating patient care with PenguinIN’s comprehensive RTLS solutions. Discover how RTLS revolutionizes hand hygiene for North American healthcare facilities.


 

ROI Drivers –

Cost Savings from Asset Utilization: Research conducted in North American hospitals has highlighted the substantial financial impact of asset theft and loss. Multiple studies have demonstrated that the annual cost of hospital equipment losses, attributed to theft or misplacement, can possibly range from $4000 to $12,000 per bed. This translates to annual losses that could range from $400,000 to $1,200,000.

Increased Patient Throughput: By minimizing patient wait times and optimizing bed turnover, RTLS can help hospitals accommodate more patients. A 15% increase in patient throughput, reported in several case studies, could lead to potential annual revenue growth of $2 million per facility.

Avoidance of Legal Liabilities: Implementing RTLS in elderly care units led to an 80% reduction in patient elopement incidents in North American healthcare facilities. This reduction ensures patient safety and mitigates potential legal liabilities, protecting hospitals from substantial financial consequences.


 

PenguinIN: An Affordable RTLS Provider with a Simplified Managed System

PenguinIN takes pride in offering a cost-effective and user-friendly RTLS solution that caters to the specific needs of healthcare providers. Our simplified managed solutions (PENTRACK & PENNAV) ensure seamless integration into existing infrastructures, eliminating the need for complex and costly installations.

Through our advanced tracking technology, healthcare facilities can optimize asset utilization, streamline workflows, and enhance patient safety, all while achieving significant cost savings. With PenguinIN as a reliable RTLS partner, hospitals can focus on delivering top-notch patient care, confident in the knowledge that their operational efficiency and ROI are maximized.

Read more about our process to align with “CBAHI” and how we help our clients achieve regulatory compliance in our in-depth article.


 

Conclusion

The ROI of Real-Time Location Systems in the healthcare industry is undeniable, with North American healthcare facilities experiencing substantial cost savings, improved patient care, and optimized operations.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, RTLS emerges as a transformative solution, bringing precision and efficiency to healthcare operations. PenguinIN’s affordable RTLS offering, coupled with a simplified managed system, positions us as a leading provider in the market, empowering healthcare organizations to unlock the true potential of RTLS and thrive in an era of precision healthcare. With a multitude of use cases, RTLS becomes an indispensable tool in elevating healthcare services to new levels of excellence.

With PenguinIN as your trusted partner, we deliver innovative and tailored RTLS solutions for your indoor positioning and tracking needs.

Contact us today to enhance your indoor positioning capabilities.

Learn more about our solutions here



Source* – Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) to improve fall detection