Hospitals often have to deal with an emergency case. Now imagine there’s a critical case where the patient has to be treated right away but the staff is losing time looking for an important device. Because the medical asset is not at its place, everyone is looking for it from room to room. This will naturally lead to panic and delay in treatment. It’s like taking a chance with somebody’s life. Sadly, this actually is a regular scene in many hospitals and clinics. Why? Because there is no proper track of critical equipment. It’s either done manually or through outdated systems. Every minute counts in hospitals and this is why they need Medical Equipment Tracking Software. It’s a fantastic technology that helps on so many levels. Let’s read ahead to learn about the concept and benefits of Medical Equipment Tracking Solution and why medical facilities must adopt it ASAP.
What is Medical Equipment Tracking Software?
It is an ideal new-age digital system that has been carefully designed to monitor and manage medical assets within hospitals and clinics. Some tools and equipment must be ready for use because there is no time to wait. These include surgical instruments, diagnostic machines, wheelchairs, ventilators etc.
This hospital equipment tracking software ensures that hospital staff can know where the equipment is, who is currently using it, the usage history, and whether it’s available or under maintenance. In fact, while it works incredibly in locating medical equipment, the system also helps in tracking hospital staff, patients and even IT assets (like computers).
All in all, it gives a comprehensive view of the operational resources of the hospital. Getting this real-time information makes it so convenient for the staff to manage their resources, reduce operational delays, and treat patients on time.
The Growing Need for Medical Equipment Tracking in Healthcare
Medical service providers handle thousands of devices and typically, they rely on traditional methods like spreadsheets and manual logs. But as the infrastructure grows, chances of human error and inefficiency grow along. Outdated tracking methods don’t make sense because:
- Staff is usually spending so much time locating missing equipment.
- In case of lost or misplaced devices, there will be unnecessary repurchases.
- Without proper logs and on-time maintenance, there are chances of increasing downtime.
- Unavailable or faulty equipment often delays treatment putting lives in danger.
A medical device asset management software in place solves all these problems and also brings a higher level of accountability into the system.
How Medical Equipment Tracking Software Works
Also known as the medical device asset management software, it is capable of delivering accurate results in real time with a combination of technologies.
BLE Tags/Beacons
Each medical asset, whether a wheelchair, infusion pump, stretcher or any other is attached with a small Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tag. These tags continuously send out signals to update on their location.
BLE Receivers/Gateways
Receivers (BLE gateways) are placed throughout the hospital like wards, ICU, corridors and other important zones. Now these devices act like listeners and pick up the signals coming from the BLE tags.Signal strength on strategically placed gateways , helps in locating BLE tags. These gateways are connected with the internet via LAN or WiFi.
Data Transmission
When a receiver comes in range with a nearby tag, the receiver picks up the signal and sends the data to a central computer over the internet.
Central Server
This main computer system stores all the data that it gets from multiple receivers. It analyzes the data and helps figure out the exact location of the equipment and how frequently it’s being used.
Software Interface
Hospital staff can go to the software dashboard and access all the stored information. Anyone who is authorized can see the current location of equipment, know the usage status of items, check if any asset needs maintenance and generate reports as and when required.
BLE technology is very promising when it comes to finding where exactly things are in the building. The system works by checking how strong the signals are from different beacons. Basically, it establishes that the stronger the signal, the closer the item is.
Use Cases of a Good Medical Equipment Tracking Solution
A reliable medical equipment tracking solution has different features that make it highly useful in various situations.
1. Real-Time Location Tracking
The staff can locate any device instantly. Maybe there’s an emergency and the nurse urgently needs a portable ECG machine. Now, instead of searching it everywhere, she can use the tracker, find the device and speed up the response time.
2. Automated Maintenance Alerts
Relevant personnel get reminders about when devices are due for maintenance. For example, the technician receives an automated reminder that the anesthesia machine has to go for servicing. This is how the machine is maintained on time and is ready to use when required.
3. Inventory Management
A medical supply inventory tracking system also helps keep a tab on frequently used items like gloves, syringes and medicines so that there’s no shortage or unnecessary repurchase. So if the supply room is short of IV drip sets, the system will automatically detect the shortage and notify the purchasing department.
4. User Access Logs
Who used what, when and for how long can also be tracked to ensure accountability. Suppose an infusion pump goes missing. Now the admin in charge can check the access logs on the software. It reveals who last used it. Hence, responsible usage.
5. Mobile Compatibility
The system is easily accessible for staff on the move because they can track items using a mobile app as well. A staff member can scan barcodes and update the status of surgical tools even remotely. This allows tracking and record-keeping from anywhere.
6. Alerts and Notifications
Whether it’s misplaced equipment or out-of-stock assets, the software can send informs the concerned departments. Let’s say a ventilator is moved to another department by chance. But don’t worry, the hospital equipment tracking software sends an alert for this unauthorized movement so that the team to recover and relocate it.
Benefits of Using Hospital Equipment Tracking Software
Here are the many amazing advantages of hospital equipment tracking software:
1. Reduced Equipment Loss and Theft
With equipment being tracked regularly, there are very less chances of equipment going missing. This not only saves costs but also brings down the risk of theft.
2. Increased Staff Productivity
The medical staff no longer have to waste their important time searching for tools and can focus on patient care. When there are no hiccups in the operations, lives are never at stake.
3. Compliance and Safety
The authorities always ask hospitals and clinics for strict reports on the usage and maintenance of equipment. These logs are automatically created by the Medical device asset management software so that medical facilities can comply with the given health regulations.
4. Cost Optimization
The lack of visibility leads hospitals to overspend on assets. But if they know what’s available and where is it exactly, admins can make the correct purchasing decisions.
5. Predictive Maintenance
An IoT-integrated software can help predict when a device might break down. Now this proactive approach to maintenance minimizes downtime because assets are always in good shape.
Role of Medical Supply Inventory Tracking System
Not just the heavy and durable medical equipment, hospitals also handle thousands of small consumables on a daily basis. Only with a good medical supply inventory tracking system they can make sure that:
- The required stock levels are always maintained.
- Expiry dates of supplies are seen and then accordingly things are used.
- Automatic alerts are generated and sent to the concerned people when supplies are low.
- There is minimal wastage or cases of theft.
This equipment tracking is a very useful tool that helps hospitals manage both tools and other consumables (gloves, syringes etc) through the same platform and achieve supply chain efficiency.
Why Choose PsiBorg for Medical Equipment Tracking Software?
PsiBorg, as a leader in developing custom IoT solutions, leverages all advanced technologies to offer seamless, efficient and reliable medical device asset management software that hospitals can depend on. Here’s what makes our Medical Equipment Tracking Software so practical and user-friendly:
Custom IoT Development
We create tailored solutions according to the size and infrastructure of the hospital.
Smooth Integration
Our software seamlessly blends with the existing hospital management systems and makes it better.
End-to-End Support
From initial consultation to post-deployment support, we offer our services and support at each step.
Scalable Design
Our software works wonderfully for all whether you’re a small clinic or a multi-specialty hospital, the software grows with you.
Conclusion
We live in a digital era where data is everything and with the real-time details of medical assets, patients can be treated a lot better than ever. Medical Equipment Tracking Software is a significant step towards achieving Smart healthcare. Whether it’s about improving staff productivity or ensuring the availability of tools, this software helps in providing better care with fewer delays. Regardless of the size of the medical facility, the medical equipment tracking solution by PsiBorg – An IoT development company delivers high-quality, prompt and cost-effective service.
FAQs
By using Medical Equipment Tracking Software, hospitals and clinics can provide quick service, reduce loss & theft of equipment and have the maintenance of their equipment done on time. As a result, they achieve operational efficiency, offer better patient care, also ensure compliance.
Without tracking software in place it will always be hard for the hospital staff to find misplaced equipment and ensure timely maintenance and stock availability. But a tracking system enables complete control over assets so that everything goes smoothly.
All medical equipment whether BME or IT equipments like ECG machines or a larger asset like ventilators, Laptop or diagnostic equipment can easily be tracked. It can also efficiently manage regular consumables with the help of a medical supply inventory tracking system.
It’s a highly efficient and practical digital tool that helps healthcare facilities with real time monitoring, locating and managing all their medical devices and assets. The software ensures equipment is available as & when required, is always well-maintained and is used in the best way.
Basically, it uses BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) to track equipment in the hospital. All the devices are monitored and data is collected and stored in a central platform. From here, authorized staff members can locate, update and manage assets even from their mobile devices from anywhere.
