Two seemingly unrelated healthcare stories out this week suggest a common theme: integration.
In a story released during the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Annual Conference & Exhibition 2017 earlier this week, ECT Services partner HID Global highlighted several key technology trends in the healthcare sector.
Among the trends were integrated systems that allow for secure, compliant dispensing of controlled substances; integrated systems that allow for trustworthy, secure, accurate tracking of people and resources; and integration of biometrics to verify patient and provider identity.
“Healthcare organizations are increasingly seeking to improve the physician, staff and patient experience by employing a combination of strong authentication and new IoT applications to address their challenges,” said Sheila Loy, Director, Healthcare Industry with HID Global in the release. “Trusted identities will simplify and connect all aspects of healthcare operations, from opening hospital doors, accessing healthcare records and e-prescribing of controlled substances, to how healthcare professionals interact with patients and log their activities.”
Did you catch that? Simplify and connect. Value and results for healthcare providers will by the ability of systems to communicate in a way that delivers a streamlined, secure experience for the patient and the provider.
Here’s the other story out this week that suggests integration is a key theme in healthcare: the latest edition of the Grumman/Butkus Hospital Energy and Water Benchmarking Survey reveals that overall fossil fuel usage in healthcare facilities continues to trend downward. Electricity usage and carbon footprint remain steady, however.
How can healthcare facilities make headway in driving down electricity usage and reduce their carbon footprint? The key might be stronger system integration.
According to this report from the Alliance to Save Energy, “systems-integrated intelligence can drive enhanced efficiencies, and thus energy savings – as well as lower carbon footprint in buildings” through analysis of consumption patterns and adjustments to the algorithms which control systems.
Want to learn more about systems integration and the possibilities for healthcare? Call us today at (800) 567-1180 or connect with us at the upcoming Healthcare Coalition Conference on September 26-28 at the Hyatt Regency Lexington Center in Lexington, Ky.