Hospitals Rapidly Adopt Tech for COVID Safety: Virtual Consults, Patient Tracking, and More
Mount Sinai Health System and University Hospitals in Cleveland have swiftly adopted innovative technologies to maintain safety and efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures include virtual consultations, interactive messaging systems, and advanced patient tracking tools.
Mount Sinai hospitals equipped hospital rooms with Google Nest webcams, enabling patient observation and communication without staff entry. They also used tablets for administrative tasks and virtual consultations to keep patients and staff safely distanced. Meanwhile, University Hospitals in Cleveland implemented an interactive messaging system to manage throughput and create safer spaces for patients and staff.
The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technologies for patient scheduling, registration, and facility navigation, according to the American Hospital Association. Mount Sinai Health System quickly adopted protocols to evaluate the infection risk of anyone entering a hospital. Banner Health, on the other hand, deployed a system using a chatbot and patient portal to guide patients safely through their visits, reducing the need for waiting rooms. They also used text messaging to update patients on tests, results, and physicians' orders, reducing nurse workload and improving patient experience.
To ensure staff could continue working even during supply shortages, Mount Sinai hospitals purchased new laptops from HP and Lenovo and placed them on rolling carts.
Telemedicine, patient apps, and tracking systems are likely to become permanent parts of healthcare due to their demonstrated value during the pandemic. These technologies have proven effective in maintaining patient safety and staff efficiency. James Liggins, Jr., director of the Policy Department of the American Hospital Association, has acknowledged this shift in healthcare technology adoption.
