Digitalization in the care sector: The move to the one-device model
Digitalization in care is one of the most important current topics. There has been a lot of discussion about this for years – yet one has the feeling that not much has happened in this regard. But what are the challenges and problems? In our article we present exactly these challenges and explain what opportunities digitalization brings in care and where it is still being prevented.
Which opportunities does digitalization bring in nursing?
Technologies must always be measured by the concrete benefits they provide in their area of application. In the care industry, digital solutions are primarily aimed at relieving the burden on nursing staff, increasing efficiency and improving the overall quality of care. This means that nurses have to spend less time on administrative tasks and thus gain more time for direct care of patients. At the same time, targeted improvements can be achieved, for example in fall prevention. Digitalization offers numerous opportunities in care, which have not yet been fully exploited.
What are the challenges?
Since digitalization in care has to work on many different levels, this complexity represents one of the biggest challenges. There are numerous areas of application for digital solutions, for example in documentation, e-learning, management or communication. In addition to financial hurdles, which often have to be borne by the care services themselves, other factors play a role in delaying digitalization in care. These include complicated legal frameworks, confusing supply landscapes, a lack of IT specialists, data protection concerns and a lack of know-how regarding digital solutions.
On the technical side, the main problem is the lack of interfaces between the various applications and inadequate device management. These deficits not only lead to communication barriers, but also waste an unnecessary amount of time. The resulting frustrations in everyday care arise because the staff can no longer fully concentrate on their core task – care.
Our experience with a customer from the nursing industry also shows that, especially in smaller care facilities, there is often no well-thought-out concept for the use of devices. Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are used every day to document care measures, but data protection often falls by the wayside. For example, many care companies allow the devices provided by the company to be used privately. This poses the risk that private and professional data will be mixed, which in the worst case scenario can lead to sensitive patient data falling into the wrong hands.
Additionally, many care companies fail to properly distribute and manage software and apps due to a lack of IT expertise. It is often difficult to understand which apps are installed on which device, whether they are working correctly or whether the latest version is available.
Overcome technical hurdles with the one-device-model
Digitalization in care requires solutions that address the challenges mentioned. A promising answer is the so-called “one-device model”. All applications and tasks required for work come together on a single device. This eliminates interface problems and communication gaps, saving both time and money in the long term.
To successfully implement this model, it is crucial that the company’s mobile devices are integrated into one Mobile Device Management (MDM). The MDM enables a complete overview of all mobile devices used and ensures that they are used exclusively for operational purposes. This significantly increases security and data protection.
Using an MDM, apps can be installed centrally, updated automatically and removed if necessary. A particularly useful feature is the so-called KIOSK Mode, which restricts on-screen access to only certain apps while keeping everything else in the background. This simplification significantly reduces the workload because all the applications you need are deployed quickly and with just a few clicks.
As part of the one-device model, nursing staff always have all important data at hand. Data is usually backed up via a cloud, so that information can still be easily accessed even if a device is replaced. Each device can be individually configured, depending on the specific requirements of the respective work area.
Digitalization in care: Where is it headed?
Unfortunately, rapid digitalization in the care industry is still not a priority in legislation. Bureaucratic, financial and legal hurdles are not being actively reduced – a failure whose negative consequences are already evident today, for example in the shortage of staff due to high workloads.
To ensure that the German care landscape does not fall behind in the long term, many adjustment screws still need to be fixed. But there are already innovative and practical solutions, such as apps and software, that make everyday care significantly easier. With the help of a mobile device management system (MDM), these can be easily integrated into care facilities in a data protection-compliant and straightforward manner.
However, a sufficient budget is required to ensure the purchase, maintenance and replacement of mobile devices in the event of damage. With uniform, generous and, above all, lasting funding, digitalization in care could progress much faster.
