Enhancing Staff Safety: Midmark's New CareFlow RTLS Integration with Epic
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare technology, ensuring the safety of staff is paramount. Midmark RTLS, a trailblazer in real-time locating systems, has recently announced exciting developments aimed at improving the safety of medical personnel through its innovative Staff Duress feature. This initiative, currently under development for integration with Epic’s systems, marks a significant leap in workplace safety protocols within healthcare environments.
The main highlight of this integration is the CareFlow RTLS Staff Duress solution, designed specifically to alert caregivers during emergency situations swiftly. By utilizing Midmark RTLS badges, which allow for seamless location-aware alerts, the system promises to enhance response times and overall safety for healthcare staff. A simple press of a button on the badge can notify relevant personnel within Epic's platform, indicating who needs help and pinpointing their exact location.
The Urgent Need for Enhanced Safety Protocols
In recent times, workplace violence in healthcare settings has surged, posing substantial challenges not only to employee safety but also to patient care and satisfaction. Allen Foucht, BSN, RN, and senior customer success coaching and education manager at Midmark RTLS, articulated the urgent need for robust safety measures explicitly tailored for these environments. He noted that as incidents of violence continue to escalate, employing technology such as RTLS to quickly notify security and support teams has become indispensable, helping to mitigate risks effectively.
The CareFlow RTLS Staff Duress system stands out for its user-friendly design, leveraging existing RTLS badge technology already familiar to healthcare staff, thereby eliminating the need for additional devices. This integration facilitates real-time communication, allowing information about who, when, and where assistance is required to be relayed to security teams promptly, thus ensuring a quick and efficient response.
A Seamless Integration with Epic
The collaboration between Midmark RTLS and Epic underscores a commitment to operational excellence in healthcare. The flexibility of the CareFlow platform is notable, designed to be installed in various facilities without pre-existing RTLS infrastructure. This means that even organizations without advanced technology can benefit from enhanced safety measures rapidly. The system supports both Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and infrared (IR) technologies, enabling a variety of installation configurations to suit individual facility needs.
Furthermore, the development aligns with Epic’s long-standing relationship with Midmark, which commenced with the first integration back in 2012. The upcoming integration promises to take current benefits to new heights, continuing to modernize how healthcare facilities manage patient flow, ensure staff safety, and enhance overall productivity—all while keeping caregivers informed with real-time location insights.
Reporters at healthcare conferences, such as Epic's UGM in Verona, Wisconsin, are encouraged to explore the functionalities of this innovative technology at Midmark’s booth. This launch presents a transformative opportunity for healthcare organizations aiming to bolster safety measures and improve clinical outcomes.
Conclusion
With Midmark RTLS' latest advancements, the healthcare community can look forward to a safer working environment. Empowering staff to signal for help confidently and efficiently will not only enhance safety but will also foster a culture of care and vigilance, ultimately delivering a better experience for both medical personnel and patients alike. As we navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery in the modern age, investments in technologies that prioritize safety are essential for sustainable practices within this vital industry.