Smart Hospital – a rocky road ahead?

The principle of a Smart Hospital is based on complex digital networking within the hospital. The goal is to optimize and automate all processes. At their core often lies an electronic patient record (EPR) which bundles all patient-related data. Doctors and nurses can access all relevant information within the hospital, regardless of the time and place, so that they always have an up-to-date and comprehensive picture of a patient. Missing assessments, absent or incomplete information or forgotten orders would be reduced to a minimum. The course of therapy becomes more transparent, easier to plan, and comprehensible to all people involved, within a very short time. Double or unnecessary examinations are omitted, as well as long waiting periods. Better access to information can also significantly reduce the risk of treatment errors.

However, digital networking is not the only component of this new process. Already today, technologies are tested based on artificial intelligence and machine learning that could support doctors and revolutionize diagnostics and treatments in the near future. Digitization not only improves the care and day-to-day work of medical staff, but also increases patient comfort. For example;, patients are now able to view any upcoming pending appointments, personalize their meals, and enjoy other amenities such as wireless internet and entertainment.

But there are a lot of different hurdles in the way of implementing this promising vision. In many countries, privacy and security concerns are among the key issues to address. For this reason, the security infrastructure must be an integral and trust building component of this transformation. The introduction of new technologies often encounters backlash as soon as old habits and processes are required to adjust. A digital conversion is all the easier, the younger and more technically sophisticated the workforce is. At the same time, the involvement of employees is essential. Their experience and knowledge of hospital procedures provides significant value for the development and introduction of new systems. Their own participation also increases their acceptance and willingness to adapt to these new habits.

Experience so far shows that the digitization of a hospital often does not go according to plan. Thus, the transition and the full utilizability of the new technology respectively often take more time than originally estimated. As part of the transition, already known processes can extend and influence employee satisfaction. For example, a doctor's visit may take longer to complete during the switchover when they have to enter new information into both systems. However over all, this detailed and always accessible documentation saves in real time. Another barrier is the initially high financial expenditure for the acquisition of new hardware and software. These investments, however, pay for themselves through higher cost efficiency, reduction of the complication rate, shorter hospital stays and optimized billing thanks to complete documentation.

As the world's leading manufacturer of measuring and weighing technology, seca is currently focusing its efforts on the development of such system solutions. Previously, seca 360° technology pioneered the field of wireless networking for various products. The new seca integration solutions represent another milestone. Scales and measuring stations are no longer regarded as isolated devices, but are starting to become integral parts of a networked system. The device can identify patients and transmit their measured values ​​wirelessly, writing the data directly into an electronic patient record by using the seca software. Time-consuming documentation, confusion and transmission errors are thus a thing of the past. With its own integration service, seca offers its customers tailor-made solutions and contributes to the Smart Hospital. Modern trends already indicate ​​what future hospitals could look like - efficient, cost-effective, goal-oriented and patient-friendly. After all, it is people, not technology, that is at the heart of the digital revolution.

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