In November each year, we celebrate World Usability Day (WUD) which promotes usability and users’ responsibility to ask for technology that works better. Demanding improved products leads to better processes both in our personal lives and at work. This year, the theme of WUD is “Our Health”. The aim is to explore and promote systems that provide healthcare in all of its forms within physical and mental health.
Over the last decades, life expectancy has been steadily increasing all over the world. As people are getting older than ever before, more healthcare workers will simultaneously be retiring. This leaves a bigger part of society in need of medical care and assistance, with fewer healthcare workers available to cover that need. In addition, many are lacking the right tools to meet the current and future demand. An electronic patient journal (EPJ) is a tool that could contribute to simplifying the work days of the healthcare professionals available.
The challenges of an increased lifespan
A common issue is that many healthcare workers don’t have time to build their competence while also treating patients. This deteriorates the quality of the treatment they’re able to give.
Remaining in the current situation may increase stress, frustration and unhappiness at work for healthcare professionals, leading more of them to change professions. Some examples of the consequences that will follow include less time for documentation and follow-ups of patients, more overlooked medical issues, and more incorrect medical decisions.
Technology for a better healthcare system
The changes happening in the healthcare system demand new ways of working. Electronic patient journals (EPJ) offer a possible solution. Such digital tools ensure a better flow of information and quicker access to assistance from colleagues and management. By making documentation and reporting easier, other types of tasks can be done more efficiently. This helps healthcare workers to work more preventatively, while also releasing more time for each patient, including care, guidance and trust building.
EPJ software contributes to:
- Faster documentation of higher quality
You’ll be able to report and document properly in real-time through a phone or tablet. It saves time and prevents inaccurate documentation. This enables healthcare workers across different disciplines to cooperate, track and assist with a patient matter. - Integrated help centre and e-learning
Enables healthcare workers to get the onboarding and training they need to do their job properly, without having to spend their personal time on work related training. - Easier management of time and resources
By diminishing time spent on reporting and documenting, an EPJ system will release more time for other responsibilities.
- Easier to evaluate patient matters with coworkers and managers
It’ll be easier to discuss and collectively evaluate matters internally, due to quicker access to support from managers and coworkers in demanding situations. - Better follow-ups of patients and their next of kin
Efficient registration practices ensure less time spent on administrative tasks and more time for the patients and their next of kin. Most importantly, healthcare workers will have more time to show compassion in their work.
Improving user experience is key for the future of the healthcare industry. By delivering products that serve a clear purpose while meeting the needs of the end-users, the work of healthcare professionals will be simplified, which also benefits society at large. EPJ software is just one example of a digital solution improving the user experience of an entire industry.