Queensland digital hospitals boosting outcomes

The Queensland Government has announced that the first of the state’s digital hospitals are improving patient outcomes and reducing complications.

The government has so far gone live with eight digital hospitals and plans to roll out 27 across the state by 2020.

These hospitals allow clinicians to monitor a patient’s vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature and heart rate in real time through advanced technology, and to access medical records by scanning a unique barcode on the patient’s identity wristband with a handheld device.

Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said data analysed from five of the digitally upgraded hospitals has shown an 88% reduction in pressure injuries and a 37% reduction in hospital acquired infections.

There are also signs of improvements in administrative efficiency, patient experience and cost structure sustainability.

“On-the-go monitoring allows clinicians to immediately identify any spikes or dips in a patient’s condition and quickly provide treatment,” he said.

“The rollout of the digital hospital program, including the implementation of the integrated electronic Medical Record (ieMR), is reducing errors, improving patient outcomes and reducing costs. By 2020, 80% of patients receiving public health care in Queensland will be treated in a digital hospital.”

The digital hospital program is a prime topic of discussion at the eHealth Expo being held today in Brisbane.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/vectorfusionart

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