Inside the Industry: Deploying Clinical Technology in Live Care Environments

Author: Jennifer Gene

Clinical technology, including mobile computing and radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, improve patient safety, asset and equipment traceability, and workflow automation. Selecting built-for-purpose healthcare technology is essential for reliable performance in mission-critical situations, controlling the spread of infection in healthcare environments, and withstanding harsh cleaning and continual use. However, device selection alone doesn’t guarantee successful implementation. A poorly planned deployment creates care-hindering issues, like unreliable connectivity, login friction, and clinician workarounds. Furthermore, deployment inside active clinical environments will influence how well the solutions deliver the value the healthcare organization anticipates long-term.

Overcoming Implementation Challenges in Live Care Environments

A clinical technology rollout is the bridge between innovation and optimized operations and achieving better patient outcomes. To successfully get from point A to point B, organizations must address healthcare technology implementation challenges that impact patients, staff, operations, and compliance, including the following:

Continued Operations in Patient-Facing Areas

A well-executed implementation minimizes disruption to workflows and care. The implementation plan must ensure that rounds, dispensing medication, therapies, surgeries, and shift changes all continue unimpeded. The impact on patient-facing processes actually begins with device selection, for example, choosing new solutions that can work with existing systems when possible to minimize disruption. Expert implementation includes testing and piloting for proof of concept and phased rollouts to ensure functionality at all times. Overall, well-planned clinical technology implementation allows healthcare organizations to maintain patient satisfaction and trust during the transition and enhance patient experiences after it’s complete.

A Smooth Transition in Clinical Operations

A technology implementation can add complexity, particularly when it takes place during live care. Project managers should implement a change management plan, including clear, timely communications about what staff should expect and the steps the organization will take to ensure the implementation will not negatively impact care. The organization should establish a feedback loop so clinicians can ask questions and share their insights, which can help the project avoid pitfalls. Organizations will also benefit from explaining how new technology will ultimately improve clinical operations, help staff work more productively, and lead to better patient outcomes.

Compliance with Strict Regulatory Requirements

At all times, even during a technology implementation, healthcare organizations must meet government regulations, such as Medicare/Medicaid Conditions of Participation, Emergency Medical Treatment Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and sterile field protocols. Project managers must proactively identify any system disruptions that may put data protection, consent confirmation, patient privacy, or equipment maintenance schedules at risk and put safeguards in place.

Addressing Complex Dense Metal Infrastructure

Technology implementation in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities is often more of a challenge than in other types of facilities. Healthcare facilities have dense metal infrastructure that can absorb, block, or reflect signals, creating dead zones and the loss of connectivity, which creates disruptions, delays, and operational risks. Before clinical mobility, RFID, or other clinical technology implementation, the facility must perform a site survey and carefully plan the project. Optimized RFID read zones, reliable connectivity, and flawless connectivity with supply chain and clinical systems will ensure staff, systems, and equipment all have the connectivity and access to data necessary for live care with no disruption or delay.

Partner with an Expert in Clinical Technology Implementation

Clinical technology deployment in a live care setting is complex and can come with unacceptable risks for a healthcare organization and its patients. The best approach is to work with a technology solutions provider with a track record of success in healthcare technology. Partnering with a knowledgeable provider will help you anticipate potential issues and proactively address them. You’ll also benefit from a partner that can perform a comprehensive site survey and optimize your facility’s wireless network and IT infrastructure while keeping your healthcare organization’s ongoing needs in mind.

In addition, the best healthcare technology partner for your organization won’t stop with implementation. Their team will also offer ongoing managed network monitoring and performance tuning, help desk support, and advanced exchange, repair, and recycling services for devices.

Working with Levata makes implementation in a live care setting smoother, lays the groundwork for success, and gives a partnership that ensures reliable performance for mission-critical systems. Contact us to start a conversation about your project.

About the Author:
Jennifer Gene is the Vice President, Healthcare and Public Sales at Levata. With over 20 years of deep experience leading high-performing teams and advising healthcare organizations, Jennifer brings a strategic, outcomes-driven approach to healthcare technology transformation. Throughout her career, Jennifer has partnered with hospitals, health systems, and care networks to navigate the unique operational, regulatory, and clinical challenges that define the healthcare industry. Specializing in mobility, automation, and real-time visibility solutions, Jennifer helps healthcare leaders implement technology that empowers frontline staff, streamlines workflows, and increases productivity—without disrupting patient care.