Healthcare Wireless Connectivity Series

Wireless Connectivity for Patients and Visitors

What Does Wireless Technology Have to do With Patient Satisfaction Ratings?

Let’s face it, healthcare facilities are in the service industry, and in a highly competitive market patient satisfaction can strengthen ratings. Patient or “consumer” satisfaction can take into consideration multiple factors beyond basic medical care. Wireless communication has emerged as a critical component to help healthcare facilities improve patient outcomes and quality of care. The integration of wireless technology into healthcare has brought about an abundance of changes that have enhanced patient care, efficiency, and accessibility.

In this article, we’ll explore why leveraging wireless technology is helping to deliver patient-centric care as well as new advantages and opportunities.

Improving Patient Safety

Superior healthcare starts with safety. Wireless technology can significantly improve patient safety and quality of care by alerting staff to emergencies or irregularities. There are several critical ways that wireless technology can improve the wellbeing of patients:

• Real-time patient monitoring and reporting allows for immediate response when a patient is distressed or requires immediate attention.
• To prevent falls, wireless alarm systems alert staff when a patient is attempting to get out of bed without assistance.
• In the case of patients with dementia or cognitive impairments, wireless alarm systems can alert staff when a patient attempts to leave a designated area.
• Wireless technology allows for instant delivery of critical lab and diagnostic test results so that physicians can make informed decisions on diagnoses and treatment plans.
• Remote patients can be easily monitored via wireless technology which allows for early intervention care and reduces hospital readmissions.

Medication Monitoring

Using wireless technology in medication management reduces the risk of errors, enhances medication adherence, includes dosages and information on allergies, and alerts the caregiver of any inaccuracies.   

Smart Sensor Technology

Making an accurate diagnosis is the first step in medical care. Miniature-sized smart sensors embedded with integrated chips can sense specific medical conditions and transmit the data wirelessly to a receiving device or centralized database. 

Wearable Devices

Utilizing data gathered from a variety of dedicated wearable devices within a hospital allows doctors to better understand a patient’s health condition and provide any necessary treatment.  This technology is another powerful tool in patient care.

Ingestible Devices

Ingestible sensing capsules are small wireless devices or sensors that allow for a non-invasive real-time method of diagnosing and treatment. Because they are easily swallowed and monitored, it is a faster, convenient, and pain-free diagnostic method for patients.

Connected Implants

With continuous monitoring or stimulation, smart implants can enhance and improve patient treatment. This new generation of medical implants uses wireless technology to transmit data directly to the attending physician or caregiver. Because these devices are small and lightweight, they are comfortable for patients and provide a powerful tool for doctors to provide customized diagnosis.

Privacy and Security

Maintaining the security and privacy of patient records is of utmost importance. Wireless communication can provide better data security and a central repository for that data. Wireless technology can provide advanced encryption protocols and secure networks to protect patient information from unauthorized access. Updated, real-time information can also be instantly available to healthcare professionals to provide better care and treatment.

Patient data is only one aspect of how wireless technology is being used to protect sensitive patient information. Physically securing healthcare facilities and deterring unauthorized access are of upmost importance to both caregivers and those under their care. This can include video surveillance solutions and analytics, access controls, visitor management systems via kiosks or digital receptionists, biometric technology, door sensors, communication systems, automatic license plate readers, and intrusion detection devices that all play a pivotal role in creating a safe, efficient environment.

Wireless Medical Devices

There are a vast number of wireless medical devices that are utilized in a healthcare setting. These can provide for greater efficiency and enhanced patient care and are critical to the patient’s well-being. Some of the wireless medical devices helping to improve patient care include:

• Monitors
• Pumps
• Mobile apps
• Scanners such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound machines
• Bar code scanning to verify patient identity, medications, and dosage

Remote Monitoring and Telehealth

Patients suffering from long-term illnesses, immobility, or having long-distances to travel for healthcare can benefit from the use of wireless technology. Remote monitoring can minimize hospital stays and ER visits, reduce follow up appointments and travel costs, and lower infection risk. Wireless devices can also play a significant role in expanding access to healthcare outside of traditional clinical settings and offer providers with a continuous stream of real-time health data.

Electronic Medical Records

Wireless technology is making it easier to update and access patient records. Having the ability to enter health information electronically provides higher quality care for patient, can reduce errors and increase interaction between patient and provider.

Improved Patient Experience

All the items we have discussed above talk about how wireless technology can significantly help improve patient care and satisfaction in healthcare facilities. Having the ability to stay connected to family and friends via mobile phones, tablets, and other devices helps to improve the overall experience and support wellness for those confined in a healthcare facility.

Visitors to Healthcare Facilities

We’ve discussed how wireless technology is important to patients in a hospital, but it is also an important necessity for visitors to those same facilities.

Upon arrival, self-service visitor registration kiosks can streamline visitor registration. Many hospitals are already using RFID wristbands that permit visitors access to certain areas within the facility.

Navigating around a large healthcare facility can be daunting. The ability to download maps or use GPS tracking to help find patient rooms, waiting rooms, restrooms, and cafeteria locations improves the overall experience.

Most importantly, wireless keeps visitors connected to the outside world, allowing them to spend more time with a patient.

Conclusion

With technology advancements exploding, the future of applications for wireless communications in healthcare are limitless and we can expect to see more of these state-of-the-art solutions helping to transform patient care, increase efficiency, and enhance the quality of life for patients.

From clinics and hospitals to large healthcare facilities, access to a secure and reliable wireless network is vital to patient care.

Why Wesco?

Wesco’s experienced wireless team can help your healthcare facility stay connected and run smoothly. Our robust and innovative wireless solutions ensure your network can support critical systems and meet patient expectations. From DAS to small cell, private LTE/CBRS networks, Wi-Fi and public safety systems, Wesco offers a comprehensive portfolio of end-to-end wireless technologies that meet the challenges of today and the demands of the future.