In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Sophie Turner speaks with William Hadden , Managing Director of Oneview Healthcare’s ANZ region, to dive into the impact of technology in healthcare, focusing on patient care experience, the challenges of hospital settings, and future developments.

The episode underscores the importance of patient-centred innovation and highlights how digital platforms can revolutionise the patient journey in a hospital setting.

Innovation in Healthcare

The healthcare landscape is undergoing a profound transformation with digital innovation. The philosophy that technology should ease burdens rather than add to them is central to Oneview Healthcare’s mission. Their Care Experience Platform (CXP) is designed to seamlessly integrate technology into hospital environments, enhancing patient comfort and providing informative experiences.

Understanding the Patient Perspective

Experiencing the healthcare system from a patient’s viewpoint can be eye-opening. William recounts his personal experience after an emergency trip to The Royal Melbourne Hospital for reconstructive surgery on his finger. This unexpected situation underscored the vulnerability patients experience when away from their usual surroundings. Being in a hospital setting can make individuals feel especially exposed, highlighting the importance of patient-centred care solutions that address their emotional and psychological needs during their stay.

Key Features of the Care Experience Platform

Oneview’s Care Experience Platform aims to address these challenges by providing patients with entertainment, communication tools, and vital information. A simple feature like a television in a hospital room can provide comfort and a welcome distraction, offering a calming effect, especially for patients experiencing pain and shock. Moreover, the platform offers functionalities such as meal ordering, access to targeted education, and communication apps that enable patients to stay connected with their loved ones and care teams.

Enhancing Patient Control and Comfort

Feelings of helplessness and lack of control can often mark a patient’s hospital stay. Oneview’s platform seeks to mitigate these issues by empowering patients with tools that offer more control over their environment. Giving patients a system that gives them more comfort and control over their stay and environment is a key value. The platform encourages patients to take an active role in their care through features like meal ordering and access to personalised educational content.

Discharge Planning and Beyond

The discharge process can often be a source of anxiety for patients. Effective discharge planning ensures a smooth transition from hospital to home. Oneview’s platform supports discharge planning by providing relevant information and prompts to both patients and care teams. Discharge planning can start from day one, ensuring patients are well-prepared for their transition home. This includes timely interactions with pharmacists and other care providers to provide a safe and efficient discharge process.

Scalability and Customisation

Oneview prides itself on the scalability and customisation of its platform, which can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different hospitals and healthcare organisations. The power to adapt and configure the platform makes it truly unique. Hospitals can start with basic features and gradually expand the system per their requirements. This flexibility ensures the platform can continuously evolve to meet changing healthcare needs.

Integrations and Interoperability

Integrating the Care Experience Platform with existing hospital systems helps streamline workflows and ensures seamless access to vital patient information. Oneview excels in integrations and interoperability, enabling its platform to connect seamlessly with diverse hospital systems and electronic medical records (EMRs). Hospitals use a wide range of products and information sources, from advanced EMRs to basic PAS systems. Oneview’s adaptable platform can connect with all these varied systems, making it a versatile solution for healthcare organisations.

Real-time Access to Information

Real-time access to patient information can be lifesaving in critical situations, as demonstrated by another story shared by William. During a code blue situation, the ability to access test results instantly at the bedside significantly impacted clinical decision-making. The information was there in real-time, and they could act on it to change the course for the better. This capability underscores the importance of timely and accurate information in critical care settings.

Simplifying Patient Access

A key focus for Oneview’s design and product team is to simplify patient access to the platform. Rather than requiring patients to download an app and create a login, the platform is accessible through a web app, making it more convenient and user-friendly. The team has prioritised ease of use by eliminating the need for app store downloads. This simplification is crucial, especially for patients in pain or distress who need immediate access to information and support.

Challenges in Implementation

Implementing a digital platform in a hospital setting comes with its own set of challenges. Change management is a crucial factor, and it is essential to address the actual problems faced by users rather than merely showcasing the capabilities of the technology. It’s essential to solve actual problems, not just demonstrate system capabilities. Ensuring the robustness and stability of the platform while making it user-friendly for patients and staff is key to successful implementation.

Success Stories and Impact

One of the most compelling aspects of the Care Experience Platform is the creative ways it can be utilised to enhance patient care. For instance, the platform was used in one facility to create a personalised wake-up routine for a long-term patient who responded positively to ABBA music. When the nursing staff discovered that a patient loved ABBA music, they created a tile for a wake-up routine, which made a significant difference. Such instances highlight the platform’s potential to improve patient morale and well-being.

Future Directions and Innovations

Looking ahead, Oneview Healthcare is exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and mobile offerings to enhance its platform further. AI could transform patient interactions with the system, while mobile access enables patients to use the platform on their own devices, lowering costs and offering greater flexibility. These developments hold promise for significantly improving patient engagement and outcomes.