One field where MMC has advanced dramatically is in the important area of electronic medical records( EMR), which it fully adopted in 2023 after completing its first stage in 2011. |
The key features of an ideal hospital ward would include the elimination of manual data entry for connected devices for greater accuracy and reduced risk of human error, as well as real-time monitoring of patient vital signs and clinical data. This comes with real-time patient monitoring through wearable sensors, interactive bedside terminals for patients to access their medical information, an automated bed system for patient positioning, streamlined nurse call systems, and seamless integration with the hospital’ s EMR. Moreover, patient-centred tools will provide real-time updates on discharge plans, procedures, and meal schedules. This is the technology of a‘ Smart Ward’. Smart wards will harness digital technology to provide better and safer care to patients. They will also allow nurses to spend more time on patient care, healthcare professionals to devote more time to critical tasks, and everyone to do their jobs more efficiently. Accelerating the speed of digital adoption At Mahkota Medical Centre( MMC), that future may have already arrived, with the launch of Malaysia’ s First Next-Gen Smart Ward in November 2024.
“ This marks a significant milestone in our ambition of becoming a truly smart hospital,” said Teo Chin Yee, Chief Executive Officer of Mahkota Medical Centre.“ With real-time updates, our healthcare professionals can respond more quickly and accurately, enabling our nurses and doctors to dedicate more quality time to patients. The streamlined design of the Next-Gen Smart Ward also ensures personalised care while empowering our healthcare professionals to resolve issues with greater efficiency.”
One field where MMC has advanced dramatically is in the important area of electronic medical records( EMR), which it fully adopted in 2023 after completing its first stage in 2011. After much trial and error, they have now secured their place at EMRAM Stage 4 and will inevitably reach Stage 6, one of the highest industry standards for EMR management.
“ I’ m very proud of the milestones and the steps we’ ve taken towards being a Smart Hospital. We’ re taking it phase by phase. First the Smart Ward, next will be our Smart OT, and then we’ ll gear up for a
|
full-fledged automated and seamless Smart Hospital status,” Teo said.
The aim of digital automation in hospitals is to make patients more comfortable and help healthcare providers, both doctors and nurses, respond more quickly to emergencies. Smart data processing technology allows patients to connect with smart devices that collect vital signs and health data.
“ Our nurses are now relieved from paper trails and continuous data input. Everything is available on the screen dashboard in the ward, which can then communicate with smartphone applications and send the information to a physician, hospital staff, or cloud platform. From the number of patients, their allergies, the food intake, the surgery date and time, and live vital signs, all are within a touch on the dashboard. The ward may be‘ smart’ but our nurses work‘ smarter,” Teo elaborated.
The recent implementation of the Next-Gen Smart Ward initiative at MMC, however, is just the beginning. Over the next two years, MMC plans to roll out similar technologies across all its wards and
Teo Chin Yee, CEO of Mahkota Medical Centre
|
PHOTO: MMK |