The operational management of hospital infrastructure is extremely complex and demands the monitoring of critical equipment variables that, in case of failure, can cause incalculable harm to patients and institutions.
Both primary equipment – that used under normal operating conditions – and secondary equipment – used in case of primary equipment failure – must be in good operational condition 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An operational failure of a primary piece of equipment, followed by a second failure of a secondary piece of equipment that, due to lack of knowledge, was not ready for operation, can be responsible for a catastrophe leading to the death of hospitalized patients.
There are several challenges that make it difficult to obtain reliable, up-to-date data, including:
- The reliance on manual records, which at a minimum illustrate a momentary situation during the verification (round);
- In addition to the inaccuracy, when on physical media, they may not be sent to the responsible party, compromising the quality and integrity of the information;
- The difficulty in accessing equipment prevents an up-to-date view of the hospital's situation, as well as quick decision-making based on operational needs.
- The lack of standardization in the processes and information systems used by hospitals makes it difficult to compare and analyze data between different health units or networks.
- The lack of adequate indicators and analytical tools to measure the performance, productivity, and quality of hospital operations, as well as to identify problems, opportunities, and trends.
- Cultural and organizational resistance to change limits the adoption of new technologies and operational hospital management methodologies, as well as the dissemination and use of data for the continuous improvement of processes and results.
It is clear that monitoring this infrastructure is not a feasible task without an automated process. Even with automated monitoring, the sheer number and dependencies of critical operational variables make interpretation and control for operational management highly complex.
In addition to monitoring, the system needs to intelligently indicate trends and situations by comparing critical parameters before any problem escalates into a critical situation. Most of the time, just as in healthcare, an infrastructure problem, if detected early, has minimal impact on operations.
The QI Control solution
QI Control Solution , developed in partnership with Above-Net Brazil by White Martins, is an intelligent hospital infrastructure management tool that offers a number of significant benefits. Based on Bridgemeter , it stands out for its real-time monitoring, intelligence, and prediction capabilities, contributing to the efficiency and reliability of hospital operations.
Here are some of the main differentiators and benefits of this solution:
- Prediction of Operational Problems: One of the most notable features of the QI Control Solution is its ability to predict operational problems before they occur. This allows hospitals to take proactive measures to prevent unexpected equipment failures, which is critical for the continuity of healthcare.
- Real-Time Monitoring: The ability to monitor in real time is crucial for identifying problems immediately and responding to them effectively. This ensures patient safety and efficient hospital operation.
- Continuous Operation in Emergency Situations: The QI Control Solution helps ensure the continuous operation of secondary equipment in emergency situations. This is critical in hospital environments, where service interruptions can have serious consequences.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: Continuous monitoring based on IoT (Internet of Things) allows for more efficient maintenance based on real-world conditions. This can result in cost reductions, as maintenance interventions occur only when necessary, rather than following a fixed schedule.
- Comprehensive Visibility and Information: The QI Control Solution provides comprehensive information on the status of all hospital equipment. This allows the maintenance and operations team to make informed and effective decisions.
- Improved Quality of Healthcare: By preventing unplanned interruptions and ensuring the continuous operation of medical equipment, the QI Control Solution directly contributes to improving the quality of healthcare provided to patients.
- Improved Compliance with Regulatory Bodies: Intelligent management through IoT monitoring can help hospitals meet fundamental requirements for various certifications.
In summary, the QI Control Solution is an advanced and innovative solution that addresses critical challenges in hospital infrastructure management. Its predictive capabilities, real-time monitoring, and use of IoT make it a valuable tool for hospitals seeking to improve operational efficiency, ensure service continuity, and reduce maintenance costs, while guaranteeing the highest standard of patient care.
Use Cases and ROI of Intelligent Operational Management of a Hospital Infrastructure
An important point for calculating return on investment (ROI):
QI Control is interoperable with any hospital equipment or system, and does not depend on another system for the integration of these devices and can consolidate information from legacy systems into a single system.
Below is a real-world case study that demonstrates the importance of efficient hospital operation management through intelligent monitoring:
Due to a lack of maintenance on the gas network, there was excessive humidity to the point that a widespread failure of the fans began. The cost of maintenance/purchase of new fans was R$ 140,000.00.
With IQ Control's intelligent monitoring, the event would not have occurred, and the ROI would be calculated as follows:
This ROI refers to only one isolated event in the gas network compared to the investment made in monitoring the entire medical gas infrastructure. If other points of failure and maintenance savings are considered, the ROI will be even greater with the same investment.
Conclusion
Intelligent monitoring of hospital operations is an essential tool for ensuring the safety and efficiency of hospitals. QI Control technology is an effective and comprehensive solution that can help hospitals improve the quality of care and reduce risks.
For more details, visit: QI Control Catalog
