One of the aspects of Smart Cities is the healthcare. This can be translated in using smart technologies in hospitals. An example of this is the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. They launched the latest innovation in bedside care featuring smart suite technology. This makes them the first military treatment facility to introduce and engage in this particular mechanization.
They introduced an interactive system that connects patients and families to their provider and facility information while offering environmental control through a portable bedside keyboard and television. This smart suite also enables patients to manage their schedules, fill out surveys on service care, show patient-specific information and set room controls all with the touch of a button.
Ethlyn Gibson, clinical nurse specialist, said that the hospital’s main focus is on patient Family-centered care. That’s why one of the main initiatives of the hospital is to get the smart suite quickly and efficiently introduced so patients get help feeling in control of their environment. The hospital feels like this might help patients with their healing process.
Jenna Bird, a recent patient, said that the smart suite technology brought a welcome relief because it allows patients to adjust room settings, such as the blinds, with their fingertips. She said that normally, when you’re in a hospital, you just want to get out as soon as possible. But she felt spoiled in the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. She said it kind of felt like being on vacation.
Although Bird said that she wanted to stay longer because of the nice service, the smart room has the intention of decreasing the lengths of a patient’s stay. This technology can make this happen because it allows les interruption in care, less wait and hold times, and rapid response to patients events and request. One of the features of the smart room is ‘My Goals’, which choreographs a patient’s care by giving the caregiver and the patient better communication possibilities to record a patient’s objectives. They want to know what a patient hopes to achieve while being in the hospital.
Gibson said that this improved communication between patient and caregiver also allows a patient to feel like they are part of the process, and this makes a big difference in their recovery. The smart suite also has an electronic display outside the room. This display communicates important data to clinicians like the patient’s risks and allergies. This new way for clinicians to view and interact with important patient information can result in an increased time at a patient’s bedside.
So to summarize, this smart suite enabled healthcare providers to offer the best and most advances care possible for their patients. And it will elevate the level of healthcare across the military health system.
Real Time Cities 