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COVID-19: How to Maximise the Benefits of Healthcare Kiosks

The novel coronavirus, Covid-19 is changing the way the world interacts, creating a challenging environment for many industries. In this unprecedented time, people are looking for reassurance and safety. In such a connected world, we can maximise technology to help aid in the safety of others, particularly in medical facilities.

Self-service kiosks in healthcare are already used across the globe for various medical environments. From patient check-ins to reducing waiting times, healthcare kiosks can help alleviate some of the challenges over-stretched healthcare systems now face. Here are several ways tablet and full-standing kiosks benefit the healthcare industry.

  • Maximize human resource

Patient check-in kiosks are suitable for dentists, hospitals and doctors’ surgeries. They save time and resources by enabling patients to check-in quickly. Patients with routine illnesses can access healthcare without the need for a receptionist.

Not only do patient check-in kiosks increase efficiency, but they can also reduce the spread of the virus’. Anti-microbial screen protectors from imageHOLDERS are suitable for tablet enclosures and touch screen kiosks. The retrofittable film not only protects against scratches and removes glare, but it also prevents germs from growing on your device’s screen.

Learning from client requirements over the years has led us to offer antimicrobial paint and coatings, which has the same benefits as screen protectors but covers the full kiosk. Many healthcare facilities use anti-microbial paint and screens to protect against germs. They are also able to wipe the device with harsh disinfectant chemicals without damage. These coatings are not a silver bullet, however. Strict cleaning is also necessary to remove the build up of dirt and other particles which could in turn harbour microbes.

  • Improve visitor management

Healthcare kiosks can be used to print various forms, unique visitor badges and passes,  ideal for use as access control terminals. To prioritise the safety of patients and staff, healthcare facilities may find they require additional security during this crisis.

At imageHOLDERS, we have previously worked with ISV’s to develop a visitor management kiosk for NHS and private hospitals in the UK and North America. Their self-service kiosks enable staff to check-in securely and with ease, without having to allocate already limited manpower/resources. We have also worked with Medent, creating an ADA Ambulatory Practice Patient Check-In Kiosk.

  • Provide patients with information

The healthcare industry can increase awareness, promote patient independence and help prevent the spread of bacterial and viral transmission such as Covid-19 with interactive kiosks. Informational waiting room kiosks can provide patients with up-to-date info on the latest guidelines; from how to detect the symptoms of coronavirus to the individual hospitals testing procedures. Kiosks can also be fitted with a tannoy to call forward the next patient into the relevant treatment room.

  • Time and attendance

The Access Group use our kiosk solutions for medical staff to check-in at care homes using contactless NFC technology. This allows reduced contact and the added benefit of being able to track the movement of people. This could also be important when trying to track infection.

 

Are self-service kiosks clean?

Kiosk cleanliness is vital when it comes to healthcare facilities. Over the past couple of years, there has been plenty of speculation in the media as to whether self-service kiosks are clean. This gave rise to several safety concerns and left people curious about bacteria-covered fast food kiosks. It is true that if left unattended, medical kiosks of any kind can get dirty, leading to a buildup of bacteria. However, our kiosks are very easy to clean and are suitable for use with surgical grade and antimicrobial and antiviral cleaning products.

Keeping your healthcare kiosk clean

Healthcare kiosks are a useful tool during this difficult time and if kept clean, they can also aid in the prevention of germs and viruses. Anti-microbial screens are highly recommended but must still be cleaned regularly. In addition, make sure staff and patients are washing their hands regularly.

If patients are experiencing symptoms, they should not visit healthcare facilities and must only contact facilities by telephone.

Where can healthcare kiosks be deployed?

  • Nursing homes/Assisted living facilities
  • Doctor’s surgeries
  • Eyecare and dental practices
  • Repurposed hotels for medical use
  • Mental health clinics

imageHOLDERS are the leading kiosk manufacturers in the UK and the US. We specialise design custom digital kiosks for a range of industries. We pride ourselves in our extensive choice of device integration options. Our kiosks are accessible to all and are ADA and Equality Act 2010 compliant.

We understand that many industries will be challenged by the global effect of coronavirus. To discuss how our custom digital kiosks can help provide a practical solution for your business, call us on 01202 892 863 (UK) or 1-888-9778 (US). Alternatively, speak to our helpful sales team on our Live Chat.