When does a digital patient flow management system make sense? What steps should decision-makers and planners take, and what kind of support can be expected from providers like Getinge? Christian Cordes, Product Sales Manager for hospital IT solutions at Getinge, offers insights and practical guidance.
Mr. Cordes, for which hospitals or other healthcare facilities is an IT solution such as INSIGHT useful?
INSIGHT is a valuable solution for any hospital or healthcare facility that aims to visualize workflows and improve communication across departments. With INSIGHT, resources can be displayed transparently – on both a global level and down to individual departments and staff members. This enables proactive planning based on real-time data.
What should decision-makers consider before investing in such a solution?
First, it’s important to understand that implementing software always represents a change – and change typically meets resistance. A new software solution is not just an IT product; it’s essentially a change management project. Hospital leadership must therefore consider how to engage employees in the transformation and whether the necessary internal resources are available for the project.
At Getinge, we emphasize that we’re not just selling a product like INSIGHT – we work closely with the customer from the very beginning. That starts with a thorough process analysis. Only when both the hospital and we understand the workflows can we work together to make meaningful improvements. Every facility has its own specific processes, which require tailored solutions. INSIGHT is designed for exactly this – custom-fit, not one-size-fits-all.
What is Getinge's approach when a customer shows interest in INSIGHT? What are the steps involved in implementation?
As mentioned, everything begins with an initial situation analysis. From there, we assemble workshop groups made up of representatives from different professional backgrounds to ensure a diverse range of perspectives. In these workshops, we discuss the processes identified in the baseline analysis and confirm our understanding.
Next, we develop individualized screen views, or “screens,” based on the needs of each user group. These screens are then reviewed with the users, and final adjustments are made. After that, training for the broader staff can begin, and we jointly plan the final implementation.
Alternatively, we offer a “soft launch” approach: screens are displayed in test mode ahead of the official go-live. This allows users to explore the system on their own terms, without pressure or feeling observed.
How much time should I plan for implementation and staff training?
The timeline for implementation can vary depending on the hospital’s size, the departments involved, and the available resources. If the required hardware and infrastructure are already in place, implementation can be completed within a relatively short time frame. For more complex projects, for example, when multiple departments are involved or custom developments are required, the planning horizon naturally extends. Each project is planned and executed based on the customer’s specific needs, always with a focus on ensuring quality and a smooth implementation process.
Once in operation, is it possible to adjust the system further? Are regular staff and patient surveys useful for this?
Absolutely – it’s not just possible, it’s encouraged. Our partnership approach means that INSIGHT continues to evolve with the customer. As users become more familiar with INSIGHT, the system also adapts to their specific needs and preferences. Our solution is flexible and scalable, with adjustments that can be made either by Getinge’s specialists or by trained staff on the client side.
To support ongoing optimization, we recommend regular user group meetings after implementation. These sessions allow for discussion of suggestions for improvement or necessary adjustments. Our ultimate goals are to increase staff satisfaction, enhance patient safety, and boost efficiency.