For better or worse, the pandemic has changed the fabric of healthcare society. Healthcare Facilities Management is a mobile field that constantly evolves to meet the ever-changing needs of patients and the healthcare industry. Moreover, digitising health facilities management has emerged as a transformative force. 

As the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” healthcare organisations use innovative ways to revolutionise their infrastructure in the case of labour shortages and operational challenges. By adapting digital technologies and data-driven solutions, health facilities can optimise processes, allocate resources efficiently, and enhance patient experience.

From clinics to hospitals, long-term care facilities to medical research centres, the management of healthcare infrastructure is being revolutionised through digitisation. In this article, we will shed light on the impact of digitisation in health facilities management and its benefits to the industry.

Streamlined Operations

Healthcare facilities are complex systems with numerous departments, equipment, and resources that must operate smoothly. Digitising workflows allows for streamlined processes and efficient management of resources. By adopting digital platforms and tools, facilities can centralise information, streamline department communication, and automate routine tasks. For instance, digital systems can efficiently handle maintenance requests, inventory management, and scheduling, reducing human errors and improving overall productivity.

Combat Labour Shortages

Labour shortages have become a significant problem across various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and hospitality. The scarcity of skilled workers, an ageing workforce, and changing demographics have prompted organisations to explore innovative solutions to address this issue. One such solution is digitising workflows, which involves leveraging technology to automate and optimise business processes. By embracing digital transformation, organisations can streamline operations, bridge labour gaps, and enhance productivity.

Improving Patient Safety and Experience

Patient safety is paramount in healthcare facilities, and digitisation can significantly contribute to this aspect. Digital systems can track and manage patient data, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records are readily accessible to healthcare professionals. Additionally, digitised processes, such as electronic health records (EHRs), reduce the chances of errors and allow for seamless information sharing among healthcare providers, resulting in improved care coordination and patient outcomes.

Remote Monitoring and Telehealth

The advent of telehealth and remote monitoring has revolutionised healthcare delivery, and digitisation is pivotal in enabling these services. Healthcare professionals can remotely track patients’ vital signs, provide virtual consultations, and monitor chronic conditions through remote monitoring devices and digital platforms. This enhances patient convenience and reduces the strain on healthcare facilities, particularly during high demand or emergencies.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 50% of the global population lacks access to essential healthcare services due to financial barriers. Digital health technologies, such as telemedicine, provide a cost-effective solution by enabling remote monitoring and understanding of health conditions.

Enhancing Maintenance and Asset Management

Maintaining a safe and well-functioning healthcare environment is crucial for patient care. Digitisation plays a significant role in optimising maintenance and asset management. With the help of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors, facilities can monitor equipment performance in real-time, detect potential issues, and proactively schedule maintenance tasks.

One such example is Sunderland Royal Hospital, part of NHS Foundation Trust, where recently they implemented MyPorter, a digital task management software system, to enhance its portering function. With the introduction of MyPorter, tasks are now automatically allocated, ensuring fair distribution and process-driven task management. The success of this case study serves as a testament to the transformative potential of digitising workflows within healthcare facilities.

Ensuring Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards

Compliance with regulatory standards and safety protocols is paramount in healthcare facilities. Digital tools can help streamline compliance processes, ensure adherence to standards, and simplify audits. By digitising documentation, tracking safety protocols, and automating compliance tasks, facilities can mitigate risks and maintain a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

Efficient Use of Energy 

Automation and energy management technologies have proven successful in healthcare facilities by reducing costs and carbon footprints. According to Navigant Research, the market for healthcare energy management is projected to reach $2.2 billion by 2024, more than double the figures from 2015. These technologies allow facilities managers to adjust heating, lighting, and other equipment based on usage requirements, resulting in significant cost savings. Overall, energy management technologies offer healthcare facilities the opportunity to reduce expenses while maintaining regulatory compliance and providing uninterrupted 24/7 operations.

Conclusion

Digitising health facilities management can improve operational efficiency, resource allocation, maintenance processes, and patient experience. However, it also comes with its share of challenges. Overcoming these challenges through immutable infrastructure, data security measures, and staff training can pave the way for a more efficient, cost-effective, and patient-centric healthcare infrastructure. As technology grows, the digitisation of health facilities management will play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of healthcare.

Reference

  • Control Solutions Inc. | How Building Automation is Changing Healthcare Facilities Management. (2016, January 25). Control Solutions Inc. https://controlyourbuilding.com/blog/entry/how-building-automation-is-changing-healthcare-facilities-management
  • Lim, S. (2022). Digitizing Healthcare: Understanding the Key Trends, Benefits, and Challenges of Digital Health. APACMed. https://apacmed.org/digitizing-healthcare/#reduces-cost-of-healthcare
  • Lydon, C., & Lydon, C. (2023). Sunderland Royal Hospital rolls out digital portering. Digital Health. https://www.digitalhealth.net/2023/05/sunderland-royal-hospital-rolls-out-digital-portering/
  • Rosebraugh, W. (2022, October 12). 4 Ways Digitization Helps Health care Facilities Become More Efficient. ASHE. https://www.ashe.org/energytocare/sustainability-tips/4-ways-digitization-helps-healthcare-facilities-become-more-efficient