#United Kingdom #Hospitals #patient experience #ePSOM #MazeMap

Enhancing Navigation in Healthcare: MazeMap at St George's and Epsom Hospitals

St George's and Epsom hospitals have embarked on an innovative journey to improve the patient experience by integrating MazeMap’s advanced digital wayfinding technology. This strategic move comes as part of the St George's, Epsom, and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group (gesh) initiative, aimed at making navigation easier for patients and visitors amidst ongoing service relocations and construction within their facilities.

The Need for Improved Wayfinding

In a hospital environment, navigating between different departments and services can be a daunting task, especially for first-time visitors or those with special accessibility needs. With evolving hospital layouts and relocated services, familiar routes can become confusing. Recognizing these challenges, the hospitals have taken steps to implement a solution that keeps digital location information up-to-date and supports diverse navigation needs among patients.

MazeMap's technology allows for the creation of dynamic, interactive digital maps that can adjust in real-time as services shift within the hospital. This capability ensures that patients are directed accurately, reducing the anxiety and uncertainty that often accompany medical visits.

How it Works

The implementation of MazeMap combines user-friendly digital mapping with comprehensive training programs for hospital staff. This dual approach not only facilitates the accurate maintenance of location information but also empowers the staff to assist patients effectively. The hospitals conducted engagement sessions involving staff, patients, and volunteers to gather feedback and tailor the mapping service to real-world usage.

Digital kiosks and touchscreens will be strategically placed throughout the hospital’s premises, forming part of a phased rollout to ensure maximum accessibility. By employing these tools, patients will have the opportunity to navigate independently while also being guided through videos and QR-code posters that introduce them to the new system.

A Vision for Future Healthcare

As expressed by Paul Sheringham, Group Head of Digital Communications at gesh, enhancing navigation is a key component in improving the patient experience. The hospitals are committed to adopting innovations that simplify the patient journey, with MazeMap positioned as a pivotal technology in this transformation.

David Roskams, Group Director of Digital Transformation, underscores the initiative’s goal: to set a foundation that will influence the design of future healthcare facilities, termed Hospital 2.0. This foresight suggests that the lessons learned from this project will extend beyond St George's and Epsom, potentially shaping how hospitals across the healthcare landscape address navigation challenges.

Patient-Centric Approach

A patient-centric approach has been at the forefront of this initiative. The incorporation of patient feedback played a significant role in the development phase, ensuring that the final product meets the needs of those who use it most. This initiative enhances the experience of searching for appointments and navigating hospital corridors, ultimately making visits less stressful and more manageable.

By utilizing innovative technology to streamline the patient experience, St George’s and Epsom hospitals exemplify a forward-thinking approach in healthcare. As the rollout progresses, leaders hope to see a tangible impact on how patients interact with hospital environments, ensuring that wayfinding is one less concern for those seeking medical attention.

For further information about MazeMap and its services, visit MazeMap’s official site.