Innovative control of healthcare logistics
An efficient, economic and adaptable healthcare logistics is crucial to the day-to-day running of modern hospitals.
The entire information and workflow chain for hospitals requires effective control so that the main focus can be on treating and caring for patients.
Hospital logistics must be organized in such a way that it supports employees in their day-to-day work and relieves them of the burden
of administrative duties.
Logistics management at a glance
The intelligent healthcare logistics software from INFORM combines a wide range of functions to control, rationalize and optimize all logistics flows. Consequently, hospitals can improve the efficiency of their logistics without compromising the care they provide to their patients.
The healthcare logistics software organizes the complete process flow of all transport services in the hospital and manages in real time:
- patient transport
- merchandise and material transport
- 'fetch and carry' services plus
- other service activities.
The uniform and central logistics control system organizes the use of both active and passive transport equipment such as carriers, vehicles, beds, wheelchairs or trolleys. The requisitioning and control of service activities, from the cleaning, sterilization, technology and bed preparation zones for example, can also be handled by the system.
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Optimized healthcare logistics Functions of a central transport control system
- Intelligent networking
The single and centralized healthcare logistics software networks all areas of a hospital. The software creates transparency over the current transport situation and improves communication between all persons involved in the logistics processes.
The system links all functional areas and wards, automatically assigns suitable runners and drivers to each transport request.
- Optimized realtime control
The real time control function reschedules all transport runs each time a change occurs. Unforeseen events such as intermediate checks can be seamlessly integrated into the hospital´s workflow.
Every time a transport event changes, optimized follow-up requests are simultaneously calculated for all resources based on distances, priorities and appointments, load capacities, and technical and organizational frameworks.
The software is based on scientifically advanced optimization procedures developed by INFORM over 40 years and based on more than 30 years of practical experience in intralogistics.
- Automatic control center
The software offers the possibility of an automated control center. This replaces manual scheduling and can therefore relieve the nursing staff from further transport organization duties. The ability of the transport service to respond to the hospital's unplanned and often hectic routines also improves efficiency.
- Individually scalable
Flexible and scalable, the system can be individually matched to the needs and size of any hospital and their logistics organization.
- Integration into the existing IT system
Thanks to standard interfaces, the software can be readily integrated into a hospital's existing IT environment (HIS hospital information system).
The API offers a standard interface to SyncroTESS, which can be accessed from third-party systems. The HL7 interface is available as a direct system interface.
Benefits of the healthcare logistics software system
Controlling the entire information and hospital workflow chain effectively and economically is a huge logistical and IT challenge facing hospitals today.
Our customers have already achieved the following results using our healthcare logistics software:
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Reduced costs
Savings of up to 40% of the internal transport costs.
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Adherence to schedules
Increasing the timeliness of patient and material transportation.
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Improved quality
Improved transport execution thanks to the availability of information for every movement request.
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Transparency
Clear overview of the current transport situation with graphical displays.
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Communication flow
Networking of all participants - functions, stations and transport service. Automatic distribution of transport requests and status tracking.
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Empty runs minimized
Reducing the number of empty routes and creating a more balanced capacity utilization of the transport service staff.
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Responsiveness
Faster transport service availability in case of unforeseen events and emergency situations.
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Patient waiting times
Shorter transport waiting times before and after appointments.
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Reduced administration
For doctors and nursing staff carring out non-medical tasks.
Functionality
Just a few keystrokes to the transport request Simple and convenient operation
Request input
Order requests are entered into the system via a convenient input screen.
Optimization and assignment
The software considers all outstanding requests. It then assigns these requests to the transport staff based on defined framework conditions and the current capacity situation.
Transmission
Transport staff receive their transport requests via a mobile communication device (Android smartphone, PDA, DECT cellphone etc.).
Procedure
The runner/driver signals the start and completion of the transport request via his mobile communication device. He can also report back unforeseen situations, such as "Patient is not ready".
Patient transports
Patient logistics Does a patient transport run focus only on the patient?
Every day, the patient logistics handles accompanied and unaccompanied transport runs of out-patients and in-patients between wards, functional areas and hospitals. The focal point is the patient. However, the patient logistics is supposed to meet a number of goals:
- the economic efficiency of the hospital
- the quality level of the medical services
- scheduling for diagnostics and treatment
- a high level of patient satisfaction, primarily in terms of waiting times
- employee satisfaction
In order to meet these often competing goals, transparency in the processes and in the information flow is crucial. Efficient hospital logistics software can help you achieve these objectives. This solution provides everyone involved with information about the current situation in the hospital, and also about the current status of each request - all at the touch of a button. It also offers swift response potentials in case of unforeseen events.
Merchandise / material transports
Material transport at MHH 700 transport points and premises covering over 50 football pitches
The Hannover Medical School (MHH) is both campus and hospital: The central hospital, special clinics, research and teaching buildings are spread over 400,000 m2.
In a hospital of this size, material transportation involving more than 700 transport points is a key factor for the quality of care and cost-efficiency of the processes. And it's not only about improving the efficiency of product and labor transport runs. Tracking materials and containing material wastage are also important.
The central organization of the material transport uses INFORM's healthcare logistics software to ensure transparency and traceability, and provide information for further analysis and prognosis.
"With the optimizing software support, we are well-equipped to face the logistical challenges emerging from the developments in our industry. The quality of care, cost efficiency of the processes and staff motivation have increased considerably", sumed up Ansgar Kruth, Head of Transport at the MHH.
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