The most positive impact of WiFi in hospitals can probably be observed with the patients. Previously, patients had limited options to communicate with the outside world when they were admitted to the hospital. Mobile has now changed the scenario a bit and it is WiFi that ensures patients can always remain connected. There are advantages and these were evident in a recent WiFi trial at Westen General Hospital.
Navigating Easily Through the Hospital
Hospitals are sometimes one of the most confusing places to be at. With the mind already stressed and in an anxious state, the chances of getting lost are quite high for everyone. When you are in a hospital, you might experience the difficulty in finding different departments. This is where WiFi comes in.
Almost all hospitals are now WiFi friendly. Hence, you can use your WiFi enabled devices to make the most of the infrastructure at them.
How WayFinding Apps Can Help
- You can use WayFinding apps to find your way around the hospital.
- You know immediately where a department is located.
- In case of an emergency, you can be lead straight to the department needed.
If a patient visits the hospital for a number of checkups, they might feel lost after completing one. In that case, WiFi enabled (PDF) devices can help them find the other departments where they need to go next.
A Perfect Substitute for GPS
The walls of hospitals are usually thick. So, GPS technology can hardly be effective there. This is where WiFi technology can come in handy. It can be the perfect way to navigate within the hospital.
Maintaining the Right Temperature
Maintaining the right temperature throughout the hospital is one of the most critical things. It plays a major role in storing a wide range of things in the hospitals. For example, specific temperatures are needed for storing materials, such as:
- Blood
- Tissues
- Organs
Food and other things are also stored and it is necessary to keep the temperature at the correct level.
Monitor Temperature with WiFi RTLS
The WiFi RTLS helps to monitor the temperature of store rooms in hospitals by using tags, which are necessary to collect data. This data can be sent to WiFi friendly devices and kept as records. It also helps to note long-term trends of temperature in the hospital to be analyzed for further use.
WiFi for Patient Care
The patient care procedure involves major use of WiFi these days. In fact, this technology has made life a lot easier for patients when they are admitted to the hospital. There are different types of life critical apps. Some of these include:
- Infusion pumps
- Medical oxygen monitoring
Smart Beds at Hospitals
Smart beds have also become quite popular as a form of patient care equipment. These smart beds have sensory pressure and are WiFi enabled as well. So, the pressure sensors of the bed notify the nurse when the patient needs to be moved. This helps to ensure patients do not fall and injure themselves.
Moreover, there is always a risk of ulcers when patients are lying for a long time. WiFi enabled smart beds send alerts to the nurse. Accordingly, the nurse changes the posture of the patient.
WiFi – Making Lives Easier at Hospitals
With every passing day, the use of new technologies is making life easier for people. Most people carry their WiFi devices to hospitals. So WiFi in hospitals is a trend that is gradually increasing. This helps keep hospital patients happy and ensures success for the hospitals.
Doctor Photo via Shutterstock
Aira Bongco
It’s about time that hospitals use technology. I love the ideas you have here. The problem is really in sharing these ideas with hospitals so that they can start implementing them.