IoT technology in the healthcare industry continues to evolve in order to maximize efficiency and enable better patient care. In an environment where time is of the essence, it is necessary to keep track of capital equipment in hospitals. Equipment tracking solutions in the healthcare industry can be an advantage for hospitals as they strive to provide the best care possible to their patients.
One of the main ways asset tracking solutions can benefit hospitals is by reducing the amount of equipment listed on the Biomed department’s "cannot find list". These lists contain equipment that can be inside or outside a healthcare facility. Here are some ways asset tracking can assist hospitals by easily locating equipment on the "cannot find list".
According to a survey by Nursing Times, nurses spend at least an hour on average looking for medical equipment during their shift. The time spent on the clock looking for equipment can add up quickly. It is common for equipment to remain in the last location it was used without returning equipment to a designated location. This problem happens frequently because healthcare personnel get distracted and forget to return equipment. This pattern leads to a simple outcome. People start hoarding equipment to save themselves time and energy looking for misplaced equipment. Unfortunately, this increases confusion and frustration.
This is why capital equipment tracking is an ideal solution for healthcare systems. With an RTLS solution, finding equipment is easier and less time-consuming. In addition, it can assist departments by giving real-time information to know whether the equipment is available or not so healthcare personnel can ultimately provide faster and better care for their patients. Through RTLS, users can deter healthcare equipment hoarding.
For more on hoarding prevention, check out this page.
Biomed departments have the tough task of maintaining large inventory lists for preventative maintenance procedures. Medical equipment needs consistent care to cut dispatch costs and improve the patient experience. Faulty equipment can lead to anesthesia hazards, cross-contamination, and more.
Asset tracking systems can help users more easily search and find equipment on large inventory lists and “cannot find lists”. This enables users to quickly document the preventative maintenance needed on medical equipment, and provide peace of mind to management. In addition, preventative maintenance leads to increased efficiency because staff members do not have to wait for repairs.
Not only does maintaining equipment affect operations, but it can play a role in liability for hospitals. Anytime a provider treats a patient they are taking on legal risks. According to the CMS, the maintenance schedule relies on manufacturing recommendations. Providers have to follow those recommendations and not their instincts.
A new concern arises when equipment has been on the "cannot find list" for a long time as anything on the "cannot find list" has not been maintained regularly. Asset tracking can give staff members peace of mind when performing patient care and preventative maintenance.
Link Labs’ AirFinder is an asset tracking platform that can assist in eliminating your Biomed department’s "cannot find list". Within 30 days of deployment, lists can shrink to single digits, and ultimately disappear altogether. AirFinder assists with creating and managing PAR levels, hoarding prevention, and increasing process efficiencies. Say goodbye to low HCAHP scores by implementing AirFinder. If you are interested in learning more, book a demo with one of our experts.