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IT Service Management
How the NHS Can Overcome Challenges in Managing Workstation on Wheels
19 Aug 2024
In the hustle and bustle of healthcare, where every second counts, the NHS is constantly striving to streamline processes and improve patient care. One significant advancement in this journey has been the integration of Workstations on Wheels (WoWs) into the daily routine. These mobile computer workstations have become indispensable tools, especially with the NHS's push towards electronic health records (EHRs) and the goal of a paper-free healthcare environment. Let's delve into how the NHS can effectively manage these vital pieces of equipment and how Sunrise can lend a helping hand.
The Rise of Workstations on Wheels
In recent years, the adoption of workstations on wheels has surged, driven by the imperative to digitise health records and streamline patient care processes. The NHS's commitment to delivering high-quality care hinges on the efficient flow of information, and WoWs play a pivotal role in achieving this goal. By enabling healthcare professionals to access vital patient data securely and swiftly, these mobile workstations empower them to make informed decisions at the point of care, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
These mobile carts equipped with computers have become ubiquitous sights in healthcare settings. Here's why:
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EHR Integration:
With electronic health records becoming the norm, access to patient information at the point of care is crucial for healthcare professionals. Workstations on Wheels provide this accessibility, allowing quick and secure access to patient data, facilitating informed decision-making and enhancing patient care.
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Paper-Free NHS:
The NHS's commitment to a paper-free environment necessitates efficient digital solutions. Workstations on Wheels contribute significantly to this goal by reducing the reliance on paper-based records and streamlining documentation processes.
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Enhanced Mobility:
Healthcare professionals are constantly on the move, attending to patients in various locations within a hospital. Workstations on Wheels offer flexibility and mobility, enabling clinicians to bring essential technology directly to the bedside, improving workflow efficiency and patient interaction.
How Sunrise Can Help
At Sunrise, we understand the unique challenges faced by IT teams in managing hospital workstations on wheels. Our service desk software is specifically designed to streamline IT management processes and enhance operational efficiency in healthcare settings.
Here's how Sunrise can support the management and tracking of WoWs:
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Support with Item Management
Sunrise can enhance the NHS's management of WoWs by streamlining the support process for these mobile units. For example, when a nurse phones the support desk to report a malfunctioning computer on a WoW but cannot locate the computer's asset tag, they can simply provide the asset tag or unique identifier of the WoW itself. Sunrise can then quickly cross-reference this tag to identify the specific computer associated with that workstation. This capability allows the support team to rapidly access the necessary information and provide effective assistance, reducing downtime and ensuring that healthcare professionals can continue to deliver patient care with minimal disruption.
Workstations on Wheels have become indispensable tools in the NHS's quest for efficiency and improved patient care. However, managing these mobile workstations comes with its own set of challenges. With Sunrise's robust service desk software, NHS IT teams can overcome these challenges and ensure that Workstations on Wheels continue to play a vital role in delivering high-quality healthcare services.
For more information on how Sunrise can support NHS IT teams, check out our dedicated healthcare page.
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