Housekeeping
A well-managed housekeeping department relies on the ability of its teams to organise work efficiently and to manage the use of equipment and human resource with minimum effort.
Incorporating mobile device technology with smart cause and effect programming - either standalone or as an integrated part of a nurse call system - will allow housekeeping services staff to work hand-in-hand with other staff and patients to help keep infections out, improve bed turnaround and ultimately help to promote a positive healing environment.
At a glance:-
Improved Communication
Effective, real-time communication between housekeepers, other members of staff and patients can:-
- Aid better supervision, scheduling and assignment of tasks.
- Facilitate flexible working to meet changing demand.
- Improve quality of work.
- Help with decision making.
- Speed up completion of tasks.
- Provide a means of calling for assistance.
- Quickly and effectively clarify queries.
- Reduce time wasted.
- Promote job satisfaction.
- Help to promote a more caring environment.
Automatically generated task scheduling
- Provides real-time list of tasks.
- Generated for individual team members or staff groups.
- Events accepted on the go.
Improved record keeping
Quality, up-to-date records:-
- Automatically generated evidence of activities and performance.
- Data can include: date, time, location, member of staff in attendance.
- Enables complaints to be dealt with effectively.
Helps to maintain high standards
- Enforces correct procedures and methods are being followed.
- Helps with analysis and on-going improvements.
Improves inter-departmental relationships
Major advantages can be achieved when housekeeping teams are able to communication quickly and efficiently with other departments.
Nursing and housekeeping
Requirements are site specific but generally include:-
- Requests to clean and change linen in patient rooms as part of the bed turnaround process.
- Requests for emergency cleaning in the case of biohazards, spillage, breakage, etc.
Maintenance and housekeeping
- Close co-ordination in advising maintenance teams about repairs.
Stores and housekeeping
Co-ordination with the stores and laundry departments ensures:-
- Availability of day-to-day supplies such as cleaning materials and linen.
- Easy issue directly to staff.
- Assistance with stock control.
Intelligent Integration
Room Information Displays (RIDs) with pre-programmed, touch-screen buttons are installed within patient rooms and around departments. On activation by a member of staff, a message is sent to any combination of mobile smart devices and fixed location staff indicators.
Pre-designated recipients receive information appertaining to the task request, including room location and a bespoke typed message where necessary.
The task is accepted at the mobile device or staff indicator to prevent more than one member of staff attending. Where speech has been incorporated, a conversation can also take place.
Additional functionality includes:-
- Automatic notification in real-time using RTLS tracking.
- Automatic cause and effect task management, such as on patient discharge requesting housekeeping to clean and turnaround a room ready for the next occupant; notifying bed management when the task has been completed.
- Basic push button units to replace touch-screen staff terminals.
- Incorporating housekeeping as a fully integral part of an advanced nurse call system, such as Ultima™, Codemlon™ and Aspire SmartSync®, adding value to managing this important function within a hospital.
