Software solution combats overcrowding in emergency departments and hospital wards to improve patient outcomes
Overcrowding is a common problem that puts immense pressure on hospitals across the UK. Research shows that when patient capacity passes 92.5% the mortality rate in hospitals can increase exponentially and accounts for one-in-seven deaths as patients in need of immediate treatments are met with deadly delays.
SmartCrowding has announced its UK launch to help address overcrowding in medical facilities. The company has also announced the appointment of Ian Lindsay-Watson as Chief Operating Officer to drive strategic growth in the UK and pan-Europe. Following success since its launch in Norway, the software solution is now expanding and is currently in discussions regarding pilots with healthcare trusts across the UK and Europe.
The solution aims to directly address the issue of overcrowding in hospitals. By doing so the solution will also help to; maximise budgets, reduce stress for staff and patients alike, improve medical outcomes, shorten waiting times and ultimately help healthcare professionals to save more lives.
SmartCrowding was founded in 2014 by Øystein Evjen Olsen, previously Chief Medical Officer at Stavanger University Hospital. He wanted to solve the overcrowding issues that his hospital frequently faced – too many patients, not enough empty beds and a shortage of medical staff to cope with increases in patient flow. Øystein developed the solution with Helse Vest – one of Norway’s biggest healthcare groups. Hospitals across the region have reported the benefits of using the software. After implementing the solution in his hospital, waiting times were reduced by over 50% in the first year.
SmartCrowding enables bed managers to make better informed decisions. There are other benefits including reduced stress to patients, relatives and staff, along with operational efficiencies and cost savings too.
As part of its expansion strategy, SmartCrowding will soon introduce full predictive capabilities to its solution. It will utilise data from local events, large gatherings, severe weather patterns, accident reports and more to accurately predict the impact on footfall into emergency wards.
