Seamless patient journeys the goal

Chris Wiegand, CEO of Jibestream, a software development company for digital interactive technologies with bases in Toronto and Arlington, Virginia, explains how technologies including Wi-Fi, GPS, RFID, and Bluetooth LE are enhancing wayfinding in healthcare facilities, and, in the process, simplifying the patient journey and helping reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with a visit to the hospital.

Traditionally, hospital wayfinding has relied heavily on colour and symbolism, flooring and ceiling cues, easily identifiable landmarks, and static maps and signs. But today this is no longer good enough, particularly since most hospitals that undergo renovation and expansion often fail to properly update their wayfinding program. As a result, patients and visitors struggle to traverse the maze of the modern medical complex. For sick patients, navigating a building that has unclear or ambiguous signage leaves them feeling lost, scared, and frustrated. Naturally, they turn to hospital staff for assistance; however, staff are already stretched to their limit in an environment where timeliness is critical to delivering quality care.

Interactive kiosks