Automation has been a rising advancement in many industries for years. Automation is the use of control systems and information to reduce and minimize the need for human intervention in the production of goods and services.
Though automation has been coming up for a while, healthcare has been slow to catch on. However, healthcare reform has increased the interest in automation and has brought its addition to the spotlight.
As the population ages and new viruses and concerns arise, the healthcare system will continue to feel the pressure of too many patients and not enough staff. For example, nursing has experienced significant shortages over the years, and experts predict it will continue. With this in mind, eliminating some of the more redundant and manual tasks done by nursing staff and hospital workers is a crucial consideration.
Generally, automation has shown a link between the idea of job losses in many industries, which is why many are hesitant to implement it. However, adding automation to healthcare jobs such as pharmacy work has shown to be very valuable. Mundane tasks such as counting pills allow workers to focus on more productive and rewarding tasks during their shifts.
Automation cannot replace doctors and nurses, but it can be blended into their current work for higher efficiency and less monotony.
How Applying Data Automation is Improving Healthcare
There is a lot to be gained from adding automation and data processes to healthcare.
Saving on Labor
When automation is used to replace some tasks that require a lot of time and attention, the tasks are reaching completion much faster. This does not eliminate the need for hospital employees; instead, it allows them to focus on more important tasks throughout the day. Doctors, nurses, and EMS can work in higher-functioning roles, making better use of their training and expertise.
Increased Waste Reduction
Finding new ways to eliminate waste is always something that people everywhere are looking to improve. Paper and spreadsheets are commonly over-printed and distributed in healthcare, creating a lot of unnecessary waste.
There is also a lot of time wasted throughout the day in healthcare. Instead of forcing nurses and administration staff to play phone tag with a patient that has been discharged, applying automation procedures takes the hassle away. This gives the staff more time to do their job and allows patients to become connected to information more efficiently.
Emergency Care is Improved
When EMS software is implemented, there is a lot less hassle involved across the board. Emergency services are the first point of contact for a patient before they arrive at the hospital. Implementing new technology and software makes communication with the hospital’s emergency department easier.
For example, when an EMS agency is able to communicate via telehealth software or voice technology, the ER doctor and staff can be prepared for the patient upon arrival. This saves critical time in an emergency and tends to lead to better patient outcomes.
Data Automation Benefits: Order Entry Provides Better Consistency
Human error and human fatigue play critical roles in many aspects of healthcare mishaps. When it comes to implementing automation tools, the aspect of human error is virtually eliminated, which helps to provide a more consistent pattern of patient care. This has been tested in some states.
For example, in Texas, a study has found that areas that utilize greater automation in terms of organizing medical records, decision support, and order entry, showed fewer deaths and complications. They also saved on costs in the long run.
Staying on Track With Predicted Outcomes
When a care path is supported through more automation technologies, the chances are higher that they will reach the predicted medical outcomes. Automation can also help to determine if a patient has fallen off the path of their care plan. This way, hospitals are notified of these changes and are able to intervene. Keeping track of predicted versus actual outcomes with automation makes the whole system run smoothly.
Data Automation Benefits: Handling of Higher Patient Volume
When a provider is equipped with automation tools, they are able to handle a more generous amount of patients at once. Instead of needing to scale patient headcounts as the number of patients grows or decreases, automated systems allow for flexibility to work on all patient groups. This increases the capacity in hospitals without diminishing the quality of patient care. Nurses will be less overworked and better equipped to treat what matters; the patients.
Conclusion: Data Automation Benefits
When searching for areas to apply automation in the healthcare system, looking into a standardized, simple to use process is crucial. Hospitals are a prime area to consider implementing new automation procedures as they deal with large groups of the population on a daily basis. As technology progresses, these systems will only improve, making the whole system better for everyone.
