Saving Patient Lives Through Critical Infrastructure Solutions
Healthcare providers rely on their critical infrastructure to support operations. Downtime doesn’t just mean additional expenses; it means your facilities cannot provide immediate – or in some cases, any – care. Not only does this put patients at risk, but it also exposes your business to fines, lawsuits, and reputation damage.
Keeping your healthcare facility’s critical infrastructure operating perfectly is an absolute must. And while evolving technology like the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), Edge computing, and more may improve your facility’s efficiency, it also presents its own challenges. That’s why we provide expert products and services meant to bolster your practice’s critical infrastructure.
The Role of Critical Infrastructure in Healthcare
Healthcare facilities require continuous, clean, and reliable power to support critical IT infrastructure and ensure 24/7 continuity. Loss of power can result in data loss, HIPAA violations, and in worst case scenarios, patient death.
The key to keeping your patients safe, protecting your hospital’s reputation, and boosting financial stability starts with your critical infrastructure. This infrastructure is a combination of your physical and virtual technology. There are many threats to critical infrastructure: natural disasters, failing devices, cyberattacks, and more. These are just the start of the challenges healthcare critical infrastructure must overcome.
Healthcare Critical Infrastructure Challenges
Legacy Systems Not Meeting Modern Needs
Immediate access to patient data is crucial to keep your facility running smoothly. However, legacy systems that were outdated decades ago put your practice at risk of slower operations and data loss. Outdated critical infrastructure doesn’t just struggle to keep up with your needs, it physically cannot handle them. These legacy systems weren’t built to process the massive amount of data created by modern medical devices and electronic health records (EHRs). Continuing to use outdated critical infrastructure all but ensures your practice will suffer and even be forced into unplanned downtim
Lack of Interoperability
Declining Efficiency
The Need for High-Quality Power
Critical infrastructure in healthcare depends on consistent, high-quality power. When power quality is low due to poor installation, outdated equipment, or issues in the electrical grid, everyday tasks can be greatly affected. Damaged equipment and unplanned downtime are just a few of the consequences that put patients at risk.
Benefits of Healthcare Technology
Technology is rapidly transforming the way healthcare is delivered. This is largely due to the rise of the Internet of Medical Things which requires strong, secure, and scalable critical infrastructure to run properly. As a result of these advancements, the healthcare industry is quickly evolving:
- Remote Monitoring: Healthcare professionals rely on being able to access patient data in real time no matter where they are. Critical infrastructure enables this seamless access and empowers doctors to provide patients with the best care possible even if they are not physically nearby.
- Precision Recording and Reporting: Machines connected through the IoMT provide precise, objective data, reducing human error from staff or patients. This improves record accuracy and leads to better outcomes in patient care.
- Use of Smart Medicines: New advances like smart pills use sensors to track how medicine works inside a patient’s body. These innovations can only function effectively when supported by advanced critical infrastructure that can process and store data instantly.
- Cost and Time Savings: While IoMT may seem expensive upfront, the long-term benefits make it a cost-effective option. Healthcare facilities save time and money by reducing data entry errors, speeding up diagnoses, and improving efficiency thanks to this crucial component of healthcare IT infrastructure.
Interoperability and Secure Data Transfers
When healthcare facilities and their systems can share data, patient care is taken to an entirely new level. However, this requires a well-designed network of critical infrastructure to support secure communication and compliance.
Benefits of Interoperability
- Fast Access to Patient Data: Speed is essential in emergencies. Interoperable systems get lifesaving data into doctors’ hands faster than traditional systems.
- Expanded Knowledge: Sharing insights leads to better diagnoses, treatments, and learning across the industry.
- Better Decisions: Doctors make smarter choices when they have more information about patients and their current conditions.
- Improved Patient Care: Thanks to immediate and secure communication, patients can receive more personalized, accurate, and effective care.
Challenges of Interoperability
- Cybersecurity: The more data you send, the more you must protect. Without a strong intra-facility healthcare IT system, your patients’ data is vulnerable to cybercriminals.
- HIPAA Compliance: Federal law requires that patient data is protected. Failing to comply can cost millions and damage your reputation.
- Human Error: Staff must be trained to use new technologies correctly to avoid accidental breaches and keep patient data safe.
- Regulatory Requirements: A healthcare facility’s critical infrastructure must meet physical and digital security standards to avoid costly fines and unplanned downtime.
Learn More About Our Healthcare Critical Infrastructure Solutions
No matter how you need to optimize your healthcare facility’s critical infrastructure, we can provide the solution. From monitoring and management to precision cooling to UPS services, we have the equipment and expertise to keep your operations running smoothly. Contact us today to speak to one of our experts about what your facility needs to stay healthy and best serve your patients.