Carethics

In Indian hospitals, even today most of the information on each patient is entrusted to the individual doctor’s memory and instructions are passed down by word of mouth. In a hospital where work happens in shifts and there are three sets of nurses, three sets of ward boys, servers and duty doctors handling each patient, one can only imagine how some of the information is bound to be lost when passed down to all in charge of the patient.

Even the minutest information on hospital infections, allergic reactions, even bedsores can greatly affect a patient’s treatment and experience in the hospital. Thus, we see how a centralized automation system can solve this problem. As per the source, a hospital that has implemented, and is fully utilizing a Hospital Information System and Electronic Medical Records has seen to enhance its patient’s safety and reduce the potential for human error and oversight.

For example, proper record keeping of such minute but important details, also allows hospitals to identify and find the roots of recurring infections in the hospital. These can then be tracked to their source - poor sanitation, a negligent staff member, or improper monitoring of guests - and eliminated at the source itself.

Indian hospitals should look at automation for core medical needs, way beyond just administration work.