By the nature of the industry, healthcare providers (in both the private and public sectors) have a heightened burden of care when it comes to the safety and functionality of their buildings. This takes place against a backdrop of budget cuts and constraints, strict regulation, net zero pressures, intense public scrutiny, and high-pressure working environments.
As with many industries, digitalisation is fast-tracking positive change in the healthcare industry. This is done in myriad ways – powered by the collection, reporting, and analysis of data. IoT solutions collect data in real time through a network of sensors. Smart technologies can also be programmed to send alerts on undesirable changes for instant action. They also record and report on data in the long term for strategic planning, decision-making, and automation.
In providing a caring, efficient healthcare environment, smart technologies are driving transformation in ways that mitigate risk and add value to all stakeholders in the medical world. Cost effectiveness is often a natural by-product of many enhanced efficiencies and improved performance, which means many of the benefits in the overview below have budgetary benefits too.
Achieving net zero
The NHS pledged that it will become the first net zero public healthcare system in the world, stating that ‘the climate emergency is a health emergency.’ It is also responsible for around 4% of the nation’s carbon emissions, which underscores the importance of sustainable transformation in the sector.
By collecting data on healthcare processes, the healthcare sector possesses the tools to implement changes for greener, more efficient buildings and processes. The NHS has proposed that carbon emissions could be cut by 2.3% and £120 million annual savings could be achieved by 2034 through the implementation of smart energy monitoring and control systems.
Equipment efficiencies and lifespans also stand to be improved and extended through smart preventative maintenance schedules and strategies.
Simplified compliance
The healthcare sector is subject to extensive and evolving regulation. Smart technologies provide a 360-degree, granular view of entire healthcare premises for ease of recording data on specific fields and reporting over the long term.
For example, the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014: Regulation 15 prescribes the responsibilities for healthcare facilities. This is to ensure they are fit for purpose, safe, clean, appropriately located, and well-maintained. It also ensures that equipment is safe, clean, well-maintained, properly stored and used.
Smart technologies can be programmed to provide evidential support for compliance reporting purposes. This encompasses everything from security to space and equipment management and maintenance. Alerts can be programmed around any areas of deficiency to ensure airtight cleaning schedules, maintenance, procedures, and risk assessments and mitigation.
Augmenting the patient and doctor experience
Smart technologies are being used in multifaceted ways to improve the workplace and patient experience in healthcare facilities. Connected medical processes hold a range of benefits for patients and providers – both internally and nationally.
From improved air quality and fortified safety protocols to enhanced communications for streamlined systems, medical professionals unlock tools that make their jobs a little easier and patients receive optimised healthcare. By saving clinicians time, smart processes empower them to treat more patients more efficiently.
It also removes the risk of human error. With data collected and transmitted to a remotely accessible, Cloud-based dashboard, managers and stakeholders have access to a powerful hub for management, diagnostics, reaction, and control within the healthcare environment.
Data creates scope for personalised, people-centric experiences of the built environment. This is as simple as controlled lighting and heating systems and can be as complex as equipment and supplies monitoring for reduced wait times. On top of that, data forms the basis of mapping patient histories, which aids in providing better care.
These data metrics also make for a stronger focus on wellbeing within healthcare facilities. Air quality monitoring and legionella monitoring, for example, is simply and effectively achieved through powerful digital processes.
Equipment tracking and inventory mapping
Patient safety, health, and wellbeing can pivot on the availability and functionality of equipment. Smart technologies provide powerful insights on the location, status, and condition of equipment to prevent delays and expedite delivery.
Similarly, medical supplies monitoring means inventory management and planning is drastically simplified and automated. This means stocks and location of drugs, equipment, and supplies are constantly accounted for and replenished as needed. The data around this also allows for forecasting and predictions throughout the supply chain.
Futureproofing
The challenges of today will not necessarily be the challenges of tomorrow. The healthcare sector needs tools for agility to meet the care demands of a growing population – and a growing aged population. This stands to put additional pressure on resources and efficiencies.
Smart technologies provide solutions for flexibility, resilience, and responsiveness to changing circumstances – with today’s data assisting in forecasting and predictive planning for the future.
Matthew Margetts is a Director at Smarter Technologies. His background includes working for blue-chip companies such as AppNexus, AOL/ Verizon, and Microsoft in the UK, Far East and Australia.