Enabling patient centred care co-ordination with the Point of Care system.

Abstract

Introduction: Adopting patient-centric technology solutions is considered today as a critical enabler to enhance superior, high value healthcare delivery. This study contributes to the current void in the literature of studies which provide data from implementations of patient-centric solutions that serve to deliver and support value based-care. Specifically, the presented study highlights how a point of care system can deliver high value patientcentric care across a private healthcare environment. In addition, the study investigates the role of this system in streamlining various supporting services around providing care such as environmental and food services. Methodology: This exploratory longitudinal study adopted a single site case study mixed methods approach to enable broad-ranging, purposive, systematic results to be obtained and maximise the discovery of generalisations leading in depth understanding. Discussion and conclusions: The Point-of-care system is a patient bed side infotainment solution. From a clinical perspective, the system was found to clearly support the sustained delivery of patient-centred care. Critical aspects were enabled and supported through the system including patient participation and involvement, the relationship between the patient and the healthcare professional and the sharing of pertinent information. From a non-clinical perspective, this system also seems to provide tangible benefits in streamlining the workflow around various tasks such as environmental and food services. The system enables significant improvement to the patient experience and better quality and safety of care to ensue. It was also observed that with further training and incorporation of the system with key activities its full potential can be realised.