Hospitals, the life-saving hubs of healthcare, often find themselves stuck in a technological time warp. There are several valid reasons for a reluctance to embrace new technology and modernize hospital infrastructures. However, for a sustainable future and to align with other industries’ environmental goals, hospitals must become more adaptable, with a digital core at their heart.
So, why the hesitation? What stops many hospitals from adopting new technology and what can we do about it?
Hospitals are known for providing round-the-clock care to patients. Interruptions to essential services can have dire consequences. As a result, the fear of disruptions and downtime deters many hospitals from implementing new technology.
Many healthcare institutions operate on ageing infrastructure and technology. Overhauling these systems can be expensive and complicated, as it requires significant financial investments, time, and resources.
Interoperability is a significant barrier to technology adoption in hospitals, as they use various systems that may not easily work together. New technology may not align with existing infrastructure, posing integration challenges.
Many healthcare IT systems lack “multi-institutional” capabilities, hindering their ability to communicate with each other.
The initial cost of integrating new technologies and smart building solutions can be a significant deterrent for hospitals. Budget constraints, combined with concerns about return on investment, often impede the adoption of these systems.
The world is striving for sustainability and a low-carbon future; hospitals must adapt to align with the goals of other industries. If healthcare were a country, it would be the fifth-largest emitter globally, contributing up to 4.4% of global net emissions (Health Care Without Harm Europe). To make the necessary shift towards a sustainable future, hospitals need to be more adaptable and embrace digital transformation.
“Investing in zero-emission buildings and infrastructure is the most powerful action to reduce carbon emissions towards a zero carbon healthcare sector by 2050”
Smart building technologies should be an integral part of any modern hospital’s infrastructure.
These solutions offer a range of benefits, from enhancing energy efficiency to improving security.
An operating system such as Kterio OS seamlessly integrates with hospital systems, acting as a fundamental platform for collecting real-time data and insights. This empowers facility teams with the necessary information to anticipate, strategize, and implement measures aimed at optimizing energy usage and asset maintenance.
Such an approach not only results in cost savings but also aligns hospitals with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives, promoting sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint.
Moving forward
Hospitals, despite their 24/7 operations, cannot afford to remain anchored in the past. The healthcare industry must adapt, embracing a digital core that supports sustainability and aligns with other sectors working towards a zero-carbon future. Smart building technologies like the Kterio OS are a beacon of hope, offering an inexpensive pathway for hospitals to modernize their infrastructure, improve energy efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable world.
As hospitals evolve and embrace change, they not only enhance patient care but also play their part in building a brighter, eco-conscious future for all.
To find out more about the Kterio Operating System, get in touch with our VP of Business Development, David Sciarrino, at David.Sciarrino@Kterio.com
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