Advancements in technology are a key part of Memorial Healthcare Systems mission of putting the “Patient First” in every situation, no matter where that patient is in the South Broward hospital network.
The sheer size of the systemsix hospitals and numerous outpatient centers and clinicsmakes implementing IT improvements a massive undertaking. But, as Forest Blanton, Chief Information Officer, explains, “It is a top priority because these initiatives drive better patient safety and enable us to provide the highest levels of quality healthcare.”
For example, barcode medication administration reduces the risk of medical errors. Bar coded medicines are delivered to the patient care areas in automated dispensing cabinets. Nurses scan patients armbands to be sure they match the prescribed medication.
“With barcode medication administration, we can be confident that the right patient is getting the right medicine at the right time,” said Blanton. This technology has been in use for some time at Memorial Hospital West and Memorial Hospital Miramar and was recently implemented at Memorial Hospital Pembroke. It will be introduced at the three other Memorial facilities in 2009.
Bar Coding for Lab Specimens
The Memorial Healthcare System is now moving bar coding into the area of lab specimen collection. New Positive Specimen Identification technology makes it possible for nurses or patient care assistants to scan the patients bar coded I.D. wristband using a P.D.A. to identify new specimens that need to be collected. Once the nurse verifies the orders, specimen labels are printed on a small, portable printer at the patients bedside, eliminating mislabeled specimens.
“We have tested the specimen identification technology in the intensive care units, the emergency departments and the medical/surgical units throughout the system,” Blanton said. “The response has been so positive that word has spread. Nurses are now lobbying to get it in areas where it hasnt yet been introduced.”
In fact, Memorial Regional Hospital South will implement this bar coding technology house-wide in November. By the end of 2009, all Memorial Healthcare System hospitals will be using it in the Emergency Departments and inpatient nursing areas. Future expansion of the application will include outpatient clinics, Primary Care Clinics and the Operating Room departments. Patient Tracking at Miramar
While proper tracking of medicines and lab specimens are critical to quality healthcare, Memorial Hospital Miramar is using the latest in infrared and radiofrequency technology for two very important reasonsknowing where patients are at all times and having their medicine “follow” them wherever they go.
“Patients badges are specially coded and a tracking system follows them throughout the hospital,” explained Blanton. “If a patient is waiting for an CT scan at noon and is scheduled to receive medicine at that time, that dosage will be in the automated dispensing cabinet closest to them at that time.”
Patient movement is also closely followed by the Housekeeping and Transportation departments. When a patient is being discharged, these two key areas are alerted immediately. That way, someone can be on hand quickly to transport them to the door. Housekeeping then follows up promptly to clean the room and prepare for a new patient.
Blanton added, “This is especially important in making the most efficient use of patient beds in a very busy hospital like Memorial Hospital Miramar.” Plans are underway to introduce this technology at Memorial Regional Hospital in the coming year.
While these three unique applications are state of the art, Blanton expects that with the fast pace of technology advancements, they will soon be “standard of care” throughout South Florida.
