One of the busiest and most important departments, which at times can account for up to half of all patient admissions in the entire hospital, is the emergency department. This is where people with severe illness or those who require attention as quickly as possible usually come to the department. A situation that can generate anxiety and discomfort among the patients themselves, and of course, an increase in pressure and stress on professionals.
Delicate moments that require tools to improve healthcare, so as to optimize the flow of patients and, therefore, increase their satisfaction and peace of mind with the entire hospital process.
And, on the other hand, they help professionals to manage emergencies effectively and efficiently, saving time on administrative tasks or procedures that are more distant from direct patient care.
With these purposes in mind, MYSPHERA has developed STELA. An RTLS-IoT solution capable of:
✔ Securely identify the patient: Through smartphones or tablets, the staff can access all the information related to the patient, and even know the actions in progress with the patient.
✔ Real-time location: Thanks to the RTLS location system, it is possible to know where the patient is at all times, and even alert in the event of an erroneous location.
✔ Traceability: Automated, real-time recording of patients, status, and even equipment.
✔ Real-time dashboards: Up-to-date, real-time patient status information for both medical professionals and family members.
✔ Data analysis: Digitisation of processes allows for better data analysis and increased data reliability.
What are the 3 benefits of STELA in the ER?
?Improve the flow of patients and medical professionals.
The main way in which STELA impacts on patient flow is thanks to real-time localization. Knowing at all times the status of a patient throughout the process and their exact location within the area allows department administrators to make much faster and more efficient decisions, avoiding delays in assigning staff or performing necessary tests.
On the other hand, this overview of the status of each of the patients allows professionals to know which patient needs much quicker attention (because they have been waiting longer), where a patient who needs a certain test is located or, for example, in the case of care for fragile or vulnerable patients, it allows them to be completely controlled and located at all times.
?Performance optimization
Optimizing patient flow is undoubtedly one of the most notable and immediate benefits. However, real-time localization offers us a highly valuable element – data. Detailed real-time information allows us to study and analyze the entire emergency process: flows, throughput, etc.
In this way, it is possible to detect tasks and procedures that cause delays, staff overload, anomalies, or inefficiencies, in short, obstacles that reduce the quality of patient care and divert staff from what really matters: healthcare.
In addition, it is possible to evaluate, monitor, and measure the efficiency and effectiveness of the changes and initiatives implemented. Knowing at all times which changes bring positive elements and which ones detract from the value of the emergency department.
?Patient satisfaction
One of the main elements influencing patient care, in addition to the speed of care received, is undoubtedly communication.
In most cases, a visit to the emergency department is a disruption, not only for the person concerned but also for their relatives. Whether they are in the waiting room with the patient or at home, there is always uncertainty, anxiety, and uneasiness.
STELA offers the possibility of knowing the patient’s condition at any time, wherever they are.
The Virtual Waiting Room offered by the system provides real-time information on the patient’s condition through information panels within the hospital facilities, as well as through an App.
The system is able to inform about the different states a patient goes through during his or her visit to the emergency room, as well as send direct messages to relatives (e.g. delay in tests).
STELA, in short, offers an optimized and timely emergency process through the right professionals attending the right patient at the right time and in the right place allows for better data analysis and increased data reliability.
