Blog Series: Dynamic, Digital Mapping. Bringing Smart Technologies to Healthcare.

Healthcare is a multi-layered arena, requiring a delicate balance between providing exceptional patient care and managing complex operational demands. While I may not be a healthcare specialist, my background in smart technologies gives me a unique perspective on how digital solutions can significantly enhance the healthcare experience. Although I have been fortunate not to need frequent medical attention myself, my friends and family members have, and I’ve seen firsthand how digital tools can reduce stress for both patients and staff in large healthcare facilities.

Recently, I attended an event hosted by VitalHub UK, a company taking on the challenge of digital transformation in healthcare head-on. VitalHub UK’s approach is impressive because they deeply understand the critical connection between delivering world-class care and leveraging digital tools to support that care and patient flow. During the event, I had many useful conversations about the Living Map Digital Wayfinding Platform and its widespread benefits on healthcare. 

How Living Map enhances patient experience:

Improve patient and visitor experience

Provide your patients and visitors with clear concise directions throughout large healthcare facilities with Living Map’s digital wayfinding. This navigational assistance is vital in reducing the anxiety and confusion that often accompany visits to unfamiliar medical environments. Patients can easily find their way to various departments, restrooms, shops and cafes.

Personalise patient journeys 

Offer tailored directions based on a patient's specific appointment location, mobility needs, or even language preferences. This personalisation ensures that every patient receives guidance that best suits their individual circumstances.

Enhance accessibility

The platform includes accessibility features such as routes that are wheelchair-friendly and information presented in multiple languages. These features ensure that all patients, regardless of their physical abilities or language barriers, can navigate the facility with ease.

How Living Map improves hospital operations:

Reduce reliance on hospital staff

Living Map significantly reduces the amount of time healthcare staff spend guiding patients, allowing staff to focus more on their primary duties and improving overall productivity and patient care quality. In emergencies, quick and accurate navigation can be crucial.

Improve operational flow

Living Map’s real-time updates and dynamic routing can direct patients and staff to the nearest emergency exits or safe zones swiftly, potentially saving lives and minimising chaos. Not only patients but also visitors benefit from the wayfinding system. Whether they are visiting patients, attending meetings, or delivering supplies, visitors can navigate the facility efficiently, reducing congestion and improving overall facility flow.Interested to find out more?

According to GHP, 13.5 million working hours are lost every year to lost hospital equipment, therefore, in my next blog series I will explore the additional layers available through the Living Map Platform that address this problem. The Living Map product suite includes the ability to track critical assets in real time on a map, such as drug trolleys or crash carts. This capability enhances operational efficiency and ensures that essential equipment is always readily accessible when needed. This advanced tracking feature further underscores the importance of integrating digital solutions into healthcare environments, driving both improved patient outcomes and streamlined healthcare operations.

* (2023) GHP. Available at: https://www.ghp-news.com/how-improved-asset-management-can-tackle-loss-prevention-and-efficiency-within-the-nhs/ (Accessed: 14 August 2024).