Facilities management is facing numerous changes in multiple industries, many of which result in a learning shift for new and seasoned employees alike. As new technology emerges, facilities managers are working to research and strategize how modern platforms can be implemented for their teams. Oftentimes, there are endless buzzwords and advertisements for new FM platforms distributed to facilities employees, with little information on how those platforms can solve their unique pain points. With Intra, we have focused on crafting specific solutions for one of the industries that need it most, healthcare. With a staffing shortage and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, healthcare FMs want to do everything they can to alleviate stress on hospital staff and ensure a safe environment for patients. Today, our healthcare logistics software specialists here at SCLogic discuss how you can prepare for the future of healthcare facilities management by implementing efficiencies across your entire healthcare facility to improve task completion, security, and more.

Manage Day-to-Day Operations with Ease

Healthcare workers spend every day caring for patients tirelessly, and when we talk about healthcare workers, we know that it encompasses every worker in the facility. Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff alike work courageously to keep their patients safe, however, it is also important not to forget the facilities workers behind the scenes that keep every hospital and healthcare facility running smoothly. To prepare for the future of healthcare FM, learning how to implement technology suited for your hospital can be a fantastic first step. Identify gaps in your current technology offerings, and research what software or services would be right for your facility. According to Avant Healthcare, 82% of nurses believe that technology positively impacts patient care.

Roles are evolving in the healthcare field that supports technology use, such as a Nursing Informatics Officer, in which nurses work with telehealth and data retention in hospitals to modernize patient care. Having your facilities team work in collaboration with nurses and informatics officers helps to create a comprehensive overview of how your hospital is running and where improvements can be made. So, how can Intra help? We have had decades of experience working with healthcare facilities of all sizes, including VAs, and have perfected our software to solve the unique pain points of healthcare facility workers. For example, our Mail & Parcel Workgroup helps hospitals integrate with ERP systems and automate tracking to ensure that packages and essential materials are delivered quickly and correctly, without the hassle and increased human error of entering information on multiple systems each day. Significant time is saved, and your team can monitor the entire package lifecycle with configurable confirmation forms, maintaining a chain of accountability and minimizing misplaced materials.

Create a Comfortable & Efficient Environment Utilizing Asset Management

Asset management is an area that we can talk about all day, and when it comes to healthcare facilities, there are so many benefits to having a modern asset management strategy. Let’s begin with the nitty-gritty of asset management, which focuses on the internal aspects of your facility, such as HVAC and building safety. If you read our blog post on 2022 tech trends, you would know that virtual and augmented reality for asset management are becoming increasingly common. AR and VR help facilities monitor their equipment systems, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, through computer-generated assistance. Consider this – your hospital’s HVAC system breaks down on a summer day, leading to operating rooms and ICUs becoming humid. This is not just an uncomfortable situation for patients, but doctors cannot perform surgeries under improper conditions. Having an asset management system in place that helps you identify the problem immediately and take steps toward proactive maintenance for the future would prevent significant costs and potential patient harm.

Outside of internal asset management, logistics software such as Intra can be used to assist with the management of vital hospital supplies. During the pandemic, the lack of supplies for healthcare facilities was immense, and although this has dwindled, prioritizing asset management is a must. Through Intra’s Asset Logistics Workgroup, individuals can implement a detailed tracking system for medical supplies, PPE, and hospital gear. Furthermore, Intra can even monitor the tracking of organs, blood transfusions, lab samples, and vaccines. Hospital staff can relay specific temperature and transportation instructions to ensure that these items are delivered safely and securely to all patients. As technology use continues to grow in the healthcare field, investing in logistics software today places your team on a trajectory for success and excellence in patient care.

Expand Compliance & Security Practices for Patient & Staff Safety

Last but certainly not least, preparing for the future of healthcare FM means prioritizing security efforts. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, there were 713 major healthcare data breaches in 2021, an increase of almost 8% from the previous year. Even worse, healthcare facilities currently account for nearly 1/3 of all large data breaches. With healthcare facilities remaining a strong target for attacks, making sure that your facility is both compliant and protected is a must. Compliance in itself can be a confusing beast to handle, but being proactive in your facility’s compliance practices can save you from extensive fines and even legal repercussions. Compliance failures such as HIPAA violations or breaches that result in confidential patient information can have lasting and detrimental effects on healthcare facilities, so waiting to invest could actually cost you money.

Unfortunately, according to IBM, 95% of security breaches are caused by human error, with some of the major causes including password problems and software patching. The unintentional sharing of passwords with the wrong party can result in a company being exploited, leaving your team feeling helpless. Furthermore, and often forgotten, cyber criminals continuously look for outdated software to prey on, beating the developers to the software and compromising it before the vulnerability can be fixed. Using Intra can help eliminate some of these issues through our single sign-on integration and continuously updated platform, minimizing security threats and keeping vulnerable patient records safe. Cyberattacks continue to rise, so preparing for a secure future should be a top priority of your healthcare facility.

Handle Healthcare Facilities Hardships with SCLogic

Healthcare can be a draining field, and although much of your job revolves around caring for patients and ensuring that your healthcare facility is safe, you cannot overlook the tools needed to provide an efficient and safe environment. The future of healthcare will have a heavy hand in technology, and although this may be a learning curve for some, being on the front end of this workforce shift will set your team up for success. Preparing your healthcare facility with modern logistics software such as Intra supports hospital doctors, nurses, and staff and promotes the safety of patients and the longevity of your facility, all while minimizing downtime of assets and maximizing the efficiency of your team. If you are interested in learning more about how Intra can help your healthcare facility, email [email protected] or schedule a demo with one of our team members today.