Hutchinson Regional Medical Center announced Friday that they have purchased a new state-of-the-art system to assist in tracking data necessary for identification of hospital patients.
Matt Linke, Application Services Analyst for the Information Technology Department at the hospital says the new system, named Transform Output for Healthcare, will complement an upgrade installed in 2012 which replaced barcode scanners in patient rooms needed to read the newer symbologies (barcodes) used on medications.
“The Transform Output system provides additional capabilities as we move towards adapting to the ever changing technological advances in medical devices, all of which are putting greater emphasis on positive patient identification,” Linke said. “Also, the new technology provides us with new opportunities to transform the way infant wristbands are printed and what media they are printed on.”
Linke said the system was purchased at a price of $7,800.
Lynette Davis, RN, Director of Women’s and Children’s Services at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, said the technological enhancements signal the completion of a major quality improvement project which has resulted in improved identification that includes the latest technology in medication administration and security.
“The new system provides additional capabilities for all entities and units within Hutchinson Regional Medical Center to monitor medications, blood sugar, and provide additional security for all patients,” Davis continued.
Kevin Miller, F.A.C.H.E., President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said the hospital continually searches for new and innovative technology to improve the quality and safety of care throughout the system.
“With Transform Output, we were able to improve service and store additional patient information for a nominal expenditure,” Miller said. “Hutchinson Regional Medical Center aspires to remain on the cutting edge of new technology that will enhance our goal of providing high quality care to all patients in a compassionate and ethical manner.”