Ben Farrar, Strategic Client Relationship Manager and Healthcare Specialist, at Traka, argues that among the critical steps that need to be taken in addressing the healthcare labour shortage is ensuring staff have access to adequate resources...
Regardless of how new the technology is, managers need to have the fundamental infrastructure for efficient operations. This represents a clear message that leadership is investing in staff wellbeing, which aids in establishing a satisfactory work environment that ultimately helps retain workers. It may seem elementary, but too many facilities are overlooking this vital measure and risk incidents where staff don’t have the equipment that they need during an emergency.
A central example in UK healthcare facilities is inefficient device management. Shared devices are the lifeblood of operations, and staff rely on them to maintain workflow and address patient needs. Yet, many facilities don’t have the technology to adequately monitor device usage. Sometimes, employees will hoard devices, and managers don’t have insight into who has which device, which is both a financial and reputational risk if sensitive patient information ends up in the wrong person’s hands. Staff may keep a favorite device and overuse it, which can require a replacement sooner rather than later. Furthermore, if devices aren’t maintained through a management system, how do staff know if they’re in good working condition?
Smart lockers are solving that for an increasing number of facilities. They’re housing shared devices in a secure location and providing insight to managers about who has taken which device and when it was checked out. Some systems even include RFID tagging on the device so a manager can see exactly where that device is at any time. This instills accountability, and lockers provide an audit report to managers on device usage. Managers can also designate who has access to which device, which extends their shelf life. Roughly 30-40% of medical devices don’t reach their publicised lifespan, so by increasing their shelf life, hospitals can save money on long-term replacement costs. Additionally, for larger facilities, multiple lockers can be leveraged to decentralise storage so staff don’t have to walk across the facility to retrieve a device.
Healthcare facilities must approach new technology from an integration perspective by considering how it will improve workflow without disrupting it. Technology has to communicate with the access control platform to make its integration seamless. Employees and their managers don’t need another system and password to remember and manage. The most advanced lockers can integrate with access control platforms so that a single credential, like a badge or fob that’s used for building access, can also be utilised with the device locker. That facilitates a smooth transition when an employee leaves; when their general access is deactivated, so too is their access to device lockers.
While the integration of new technology may seem daunting, it’s worth noting that any introduction of new processes should be facilitated in a phased approach. Facilities should implement technology in one sector and gauge its reception. If successful, managers have established advocates who can recommend increased integration into other sectors. It’s crucial to have staff buy-in because the technology is for their benefit, which then translates into improved patient care.
Traka will be exhibiting on Stand: K16.
For more information, visit: https://www.traka.com/global/en
