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Digital Health - Focus on Sterilisation and Medical Devices

The digital challenge in the healthcare sector

Despite being at the heart of medical innovation, the healthcare sector is still lagging behind when it comes to integrating digital solutions tailored to its specific needs.

This gap is particularly glaring in critical areas such as sterilisation and the management of reusable medical devices (RMDs). The Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing flight of staff has highlighted the organisational flaws and work overload caused by poorly designed tools.

We urgently need to offer ergonomic digital solutions, designed by industry experts to meet real needs in the field.

🔍 When the unsuitable becomes the norm

For years, numerous digital solutions have been developed for healthcare. Unfortunately, many have proved to be less than ergonomic, unsuited to carers' workflows and unable to integrate harmoniously into existing systems.

📌 The consequences? Resistance to change, additional costs and a direct impact on the quality of care.

There is no shortage of examples. Complex stock management software, poorly interfaced traceability systems or unreliable platforms show that traditional digital tools have often failed to simplify the day-to-day lives of healthcare professionals.

The inadequacy of tools is not limited to their ergonomics or reliability. It also affects the quality and reliability of data, which is critical in areas such as the traceability of medical devices.

The Importance of Reliable Data: The Basis of Every Digital System

A high-performance digital system depends on reliable, usable data.

Take, for example, the traceability of medical devices: an error in the data can compromise the tracking of surgical instruments, increasing the risks for patients or non-conformities.

Atlas InWay illustrates how centralising data in a single repository guarantees complete and reliable traceability, reducing human error and facilitating collaboration between departments.

Digital solutions must also incorporate real-time analysis and communication tools to enable decision-makers to react quickly and effectively. In this context, data reliability is not an option, but a fundamental requirement.

1. Inspiration from other fields

The world of healthcare can draw inspiration from digital success stories in other sectors. Here are a few key examples:

  • Cybersecurity: In an environment where data confidentiality is paramount, cybersecurity technologies such as multi-factor authentication and data encryption can guarantee the security of sensitive information.

  • Interoperability: As in the banking and logistics sectors, healthcare solutions need to integrate with the various systems already in place, avoiding silos and improving the flow of data.

  • Industry 4.0: Predictive maintenance, real-time analysis tools and digital twins used in industry enable processes to be optimised, particularly in sterilisation.

These examples show that adopting proven models can accelerate the digital transformation of healthcare while minimising risks.

2. Towards collaborative and connected solutions

To move forward, a number of avenues need to be explored:

  1. Listen to the needs of the field: Solutions must be developed in close collaboration with end-users. No one other than professionals in the field should have the last word!

  2. Ensure usability and adaptability: Digital tools must be intuitive and easily integrated into existing workflows.

  3. Invest in training: Successful adoption requires team support and appropriate training.

  4. Focus on interconnection: Integrating solutions into a global ecosystem that includes all stakeholders is essential for improved communication and the assurance of complete information for all.

Why should innovation be driven by the field?

Today, a new generation of solutions is emerging, driven by business experts with in-depth knowledge of the issues faced in the field.

These tools are designed to respond directly to real needs, while drawing on proven technologies from other fields. The example of Atlas InWay, which offers a universal language for identifying and managing surgical instruments, illustrates this approach.

This type of solution centralises and harmonises data, enabling optimised stock management and complete traceability.

Digital technology as a quality accelerator :

The digitalisation of sterilisation and medical device management represents a unique opportunity to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance patient safety. But to succeed, these solutions need to be driven by a vision that focuses on the real needs of healthcare professionals, while drawing on best practice from other sectors. We have the means to act. All that remains is to take the plunge and give the world of healthcare the digital tools it deserves.

Jean-Paul Averty

President and Founder of InWay SAS

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