What is a hospital management system?
One of the questions Streets Heaver often gets asked in our initial meetings, is “what is a hospital management system?” or “do I need a hospital information system?”. The answer is usually yes, and that they are technically one and the same.
A hospital management system – as the name suggests – is software designed to cater to the complex business requirements of a hospital, clinic or other healthcare institution. Keeping track of inpatient, outpatient, clinician availability and medical billing, etc. All from a single platform.
Does a private hospital or a private patient unit need a hospital management system?
Today healthcare is a rapidly growing industry. Which means it’s experiencing a high growth rate in terms of services provided. A private hospital management system performs as a central database system to store real-time information on inpatients, outpatients, clinicians, inventories, bed allocation and more exhaustive set of tools for billing and contract management. As a user logs into the hospital management system, they can access all important details easily. Offering a better service to a private patient.
The key features of a hospital management system
- Functions as a database to store all patients related information – inpatient and outpatient; in real-time
- Manages patient records and asserts data security and confidentiality
- Manages availability of clinicians and scheduling appointments
- Managing laboratory equipment, theatre equipment and drugs
- Managing ward and bed allocation
- Inventory management with the timely warning system for stock refurbishment
- Accounting, contract management and correct billing
- Multiple user accessibility for efficient all-around performance
Which hospital management system should I use?
Most software vendors nowadays, offer configurable and customisable software tools. In other words, new modules can be designed, modified or bolted-on, to benefit a customer’s growth plan or help provide a better service. Similarly, hospital management systems are also designed to blend seamlessly within an existing set-up, where interfacing is required. As a result, interoperability is key. And customer’s should look for a system that talks bi-directionally with third party suppliers; including NHS PAS, Laboratory, PACS, Radiology and Drug Monitoring systems.
Next steps…
If you still aren’t sure what the right system is for your organisation. Streets Heaver would be happy to talk through your requirements. And as a result, we can show you the features and modules available with Compucare. Either contact us directly or arrange for a demonstration.