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Optimizing workflows with RTLS systems and MediaCare
Care team identification and rounds history
We understand that patients and their families can feel anxious about who is on their Care Team. That’s why we’re to providing them with accurate and up-to-date information on their Care Team.
With MediaCare, patients and loved ones see the scheduled staff and scheduled round time by automatically displaying a notification on the digital devices when a badged staff member enters the room. And with photo identification, everyone can feel confident and safe knowing exactly who is taking care of their loved ones. Most importantly, the notification also triggers displays on all connected devices and an LED light on the Hall Whiteboard indicates a caregiver is in the room. Upon entry, the Patient Whiteboard and Unit Whiteboard reflect the same notification. What’s more, RTLS pinpoints the location of hospital staff when there’s a security incident, so staff feel secure as well.
MediaCare & the Visitor’s Log
Armed with Care Team identification information, families have the ability to match the displayed name, title and photo to the staff member in the room. Then a Visitor’s Log generates that shows family members a record of care. At the same time, healthcare systems have a layer of time-stamped historical information. If a patient isn’t alert during a round, then the Log keeps a history that a caregiver was in the room. From there, management can pull MediaCare reports with the timestamped data on time spent with patients for scheduling decisions, training or monitoring. So with an RTLS system, decision-makers can optimize staff levels and patient management.
Nurse notes
Caregivers can enter Nurse Notes on the Patient Whiteboard using a virtual keyboard. Notes might include physical observations, patient comments, or treatments. As Nurses enter notes about a round, the notes save automatically to the whiteboard. What’s more, that information can be written back to the EHR through MediaCare.
RTLS data reporting
Research shows that facilities that implement an RTLS system realize a significant improvement in operational efficiency. Providing patients with RFID-equipped wristbands lets management monitor how long a caregiver is with a patient. It’s also possible to trend where patients are spending “out of room” time so you can schedule supplies or people in retail and foodservice spaces.
RTLS system equipment location and ordering
Nurses can use RTLS functions to locate equipment and assets to decrease patient wait times for mobility items like wheelchairs and walkers. And with the HCI Support Terminal, Nurses can order equipment direct from a patient room, or set a timer for Reassessments, Repositioning and Rounds. They can even select time intervals for ordered equipment and get an acknowledgement of their order. That way, they save time and steps without having to go on the hunt for equipment.
Hygiene Management with RTLS Systems
With COVID-19 and other communicable disease concerns, RTLS systems tied to hand washing or hand hygiene stations track hand-washing events. That’s important, because patients and caregivers have information about good hygiene practiced according to facility procedures.
When connected to a “GoJo©“-type hand sanitation system, a hand-washing icon will appear on the HCI Interactive Whiteboards as a visual cue when the staff member has used the station. Other configurable icons or signals can be incorporated into the Interactive Patient Care system for similar tracking processes. These can include photos or complex icons with various elements to visually convey a hygiene protocol.
RTLS systems deployed and integrated with HCI’s Interactive Patient Care solution products support workflow cycles. With MediaCare and RTLS integration, manage resources more efficiently. and display real-time results for trending patient information. Use reporting through MediaCare to manage and analyze resource and staffing levels.