With the growing adoption of electronic health records, we’re continuing to see hospitals struggle with addressing existing and forthcoming needs and choosing an EHR that will meet them. As a recent Healthcare IT News article astutely pointed out, successful mobile device integration is a crucial determinant to the long-term continuance of an EHR, and Mobile Device Integration is one of the key factors that will distinguish EHRs in the future.
When helping hospitals with their mobility approach, we’ve found it crucial to focus on a strategy that:
1. Optimizes workflow
2. Supports improved patient care/safety
3. Better allocates resources and personnel
4. Optimizes mobile infrastructure as it relates to cellular and WiFi
5. Provides metrics to measure and monitor ROI
When properly coordinated with your EMR implementation, mobility solutions should significantly optimize quality of care and efficiency at the bedside.
In addition, choosing the right mobile device solution is not only dependent upon the user, but where and how it will be utilized. Evaluating the key components necessary for successful mobile technology integration prior to selecting a mobile device solution is crucial to long-term EHR success.
The critical components to include are:
WIRELESS
Ensuring system capability and connectivity in all areas/settings by evaluating and deploying solutions for your wireless infrastructure including System Analysis Planning/Design through Implementation and Management.
MOBILE POWER
Selecting highly workflow-focused mobile devices (carts, workstations, tablets and laptops) with a power solution that provides maximum runtime per day, secure connectivity, seamless roamability and lasts 3 – 5 years without replacement for lower Total Cost of Ownership.
ERGONOMICS
Choosing mobile device solutions that are designed and tested to be a natural extension of your workflow; enhancing efficiency, ensuring fluid movement, providing maximum flexibility and comfort from beginning to end of your shift.
INTEGRATED FEATURES
Navigating the complexities of mobile device integration to create a single point of access for your bedside care needs including:
- Seamless EMR integration
- Automated vital signs collection
- Simple and secure user identification access options
- Positive Patient Identification for bedside medication verification, laboratory draws and more
- Unified real-time patient, asset and temperature tracking
- “Smart Technology” to prevent wrong patient, wrong site and wrong procedure surgeries
DURABILITY
Anticipating all the challenges of bedside point-of-care, choosing mobile solutions that are ruggedized and tested to withstand the harshest healthcare environments.
SANITIZATION
Identifying mobile devices that are engineered for the challenges of the bedside environment including repeated cleaning and use and deter bacterial colonization and cross-contamination.
TRAINING
Implementing eLearning solutions to maximize EMR utilization, clinical adoption and ongoing use. Providing the most comprehensive eLearning modules to augment classroom training and reduce classroom time for clinicians and physicians. Finding an on demand solution tailored specifically for the needs of your working culture and environment.
MOBILE MANAGED SERVICES
Employing complete, worry-free support for your devices post-deployment with 24×7x365 professional IT support through remote network monitoring and device management.
From start to finish, complete integration, deployment and management of your point-of-care mobile strategy will ensure long-term viability of your EHR both today and in the future. This will empower your clinical staff to spend more face-time with patients, thereby fostering better patient care while ensuring secure, accurate clinical documentation of healthcare measures.
