Efficient management in healthcare is more than just a goal—it’s essential for quality patient care, smoother operations, and cost savings. But for many healthcare facilities, managing patient data, tracking resources, and handling billing can feel like an endless cycle of paperwork and administrative bottlenecks. This is where a Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) steps in.
A Hospital Information Management System helps healthcare teams organize, streamline, and manage almost every aspect of hospital operations. From patient record keeping to billing and even resource allocation, HIMS supports both the front-line staff and the administrative team. It helps hospitals run more smoothly, reduce errors, and improve the patient experience.
In this article, we’ll break down how HIMS works, the specific efficiency challenges it addresses, and why healthcare administrators and executives should consider it as a vital investment. We’ll also look at the core features that make an effective HIMS, steps to successful implementation, and some real-world results that highlight its value. For anyone in healthcare looking to enhance efficiency, this guide offers a practical roadmap to what HIMS can do and how to make it work for your facility.
What is a Hospital Information Management System?
Hospital operations can be managed more efficiently with the help of software called a Hospital Information Management System (HIMS). HIMS, as opposed to a basic electronic record system, is a comprehensive tool that incorporates many facets of a healthcare facility’s everyday operations. HIMS centralizes data on a single, easily accessible platform for everything from billing and patient history tracking to resource allocation monitoring and reporting.
A well-designed HIMS focuses on three main areas:
- Patient Data Management: Collects, stores, and organizes patient information, including medical histories, treatment records, and demographics.
- Billing and Financial Management: Handles billing, insurance claims, payments, and financial tracking, helping reduce revenue leaks and simplifying the billing process.
- Operational Oversight: Manages schedules, tracks resource use (such as rooms, equipment, and staff), and provides reporting tools for better decision-making.
One key point to understand is the difference between HIMS and systems like Electronic Medical Records (EMR) or Electronic Health Records (EHR). While EMR and EHR systems focus on patient medical histories, a HIMS covers the broader operational needs of a hospital, including non-medical departments like finance and inventory.
The Role of HIMS in Today’s Healthcare
HIMS is more than just a digital filing cabinet. It’s a practical tool for efficiency. A reliable HIMS centralizes all relevant data, making it accessible to staff across departments. Imagine a patient arriving at the emergency room: with HIMS, their entire medical history is readily available, billing processes are seamless, and staff schedules are aligned to minimize wait times.
In the next section, we’ll explore the specific issues HIMS can solve in healthcare settings and why addressing these pain points is critical for both operational success and quality patient care.
Why Healthcare Facilities Need an Efficient HIMS
Healthcare facilities deal with a special set of issues that impact their daily operations, financial performance, and patient satisfaction. Many of these problems are directly addressed by an effective Hospital Information Management System (HIMS), which provides hospitals with the resources they require to remain responsive, organized, and resource-efficient. Let’s examine some particular issues that HIMS can assist in resolving.
Reducing Patient Wait Times and Streamlining Patient Flow
Long wait times are a common pain point in hospitals. They not only frustrate patients but also strain staff and disrupt scheduling. With HIMS, patient data can be accessed and updated in real time across departments. This improves communication between departments, making patient handoffs smoother and quicker. By aligning staff schedules and optimizing resource allocation, a HIMS can significantly cut down on bottlenecks, ensuring patients get timely care.
Eliminating Resource Wastage
From medical equipment to staff hours, resources in healthcare are often wasted due to lack of oversight. An efficient HIMS provides real-time tracking of hospital resources, whether it’s the availability of a specific piece of equipment or the status of a particular room. This visibility means hospitals can avoid overbooking or underusing resources, leading to better utilization and fewer idle assets.
Supporting Compliance and Reducing Risk
Hospitals operate under strict regulations, especially concerning patient data privacy. Without an organized system, meeting these compliance standards can be challenging. HIMS includes security features like access controls, encryption, and audit trails, which help ensure sensitive information is protected and regulatory standards (such as HIPAA) are met. Additionally, with standardized data entry and digital record-keeping, the likelihood of human error is reduced, lowering the risk of costly mistakes.
Improving Financial Health
Revenue leaks often occur due to billing errors, missed charges, or inefficient invoicing processes. HIMS automates billing and integrates with other financial systems, making it easier to track revenue and manage billing cycles. It also helps prevent common billing errors and speeds up insurance claim processing, resulting in faster payments and better financial health for the hospital.
Enhancing Patient Satisfaction
Patient satisfaction is not just about the care received; it’s also influenced by the ease and speed of each interaction, from registration to discharge. With a well-integrated HIMS, patients benefit from shorter waits, smoother processes, and quicker access to information. In turn, this leads to improved patient satisfaction and, ultimately, better patient retention rates.
A Hospital Information Management System has the potential to transform how healthcare facilities operate by addressing these critical pain points. In the next section, we’ll explore the core benefits that HIMS brings to the table, from improving patient care to streamlining hospital workflows.
Core Benefits of Implementing HIMS
Implementing a Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) can transform the way healthcare facilities operate. By centralizing critical information and streamlining workflows, HIMS makes day-to-day tasks faster, more accurate, and less stressful for staff and patients alike. Below are some core benefits that a HIMS offers healthcare facilities.
Improved Patient Care and Satisfaction
One of the biggest advantages of a HIMS is the improvement it brings to patient care. With a centralized database of patient records, medical histories, and treatment plans, healthcare providers can access all necessary information with just a few clicks. This quick access minimizes wait times and ensures that patients receive timely, informed care.
By reducing delays and miscommunication, HIMS boosts patient satisfaction. When patients experience smooth, efficient care, from check-in to discharge, they’re more likely to feel positive about their experience and recommend the facility to others.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency
HIMS automates numerous routine tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing inventory, and allocating rooms or equipment. This automation cuts down on the time spent on manual paperwork, allowing staff to focus more on patient care. With tools for real-time resource tracking, HIMS can alert staff when rooms or equipment become available, allowing for seamless transitions between patients and reducing downtime.
Additionally, a HIMS enables hospital administrators to oversee all operations from a single platform. They can easily monitor key performance indicators, track the status of resources, and adjust staffing or scheduling as needed, resulting in a more efficient hospital environment.
Data Security and Compliance
With strict regulations on patient data privacy, such as HIPAA in the United States, maintaining data security is critical. HIMS includes robust security features, including encryption, access controls, and audit trails, to protect sensitive information. These systems are designed to keep unauthorized users out while allowing authorized users to access necessary data quickly and safely.
HIMS also simplifies compliance reporting. With all data stored in a standardized and organized format, generating compliance reports and conducting audits is faster and more accurate, saving time and resources while reducing risk.
Financial Management and Cost Savings
Efficient financial management is a must for any healthcare facility, and Hospital Management System Software helps achieve this through automated billing, invoicing, and payment tracking. By integrating billing and financial processes into one system, HIMS ensures that all charges are accurately recorded and tracked, helping to prevent revenue losses due to missed charges or billing errors.
Automating these financial tasks not only reduces the need for manual data entry (and the errors that come with it) but also helps streamline insurance claims and payment processing. Hospitals see financial benefits from both reduced administrative costs and improved revenue cycle management.
Better Decision-Making with Analytics and Reporting
With the data-gathering power of HIMS, healthcare administrators can access insights that drive better decision-making. Most HIMS platforms offer reporting and analytics features that provide an overview of key metrics, such as patient flow, staff productivity, and resource utilization. These insights can highlight inefficiencies and areas for improvement, empowering administrators to make data-driven decisions.
Data-driven insights also support budgeting and strategic planning. By seeing where resources are being under- or over-utilized, hospital executives can adjust operations accordingly, ensuring that every resource is used effectively.
Implementing a HIMS offers healthcare facilities a comprehensive tool for enhancing efficiency, securing patient data, and improving patient satisfaction. Next, we’ll look at the key features to consider when selecting a HIMS for your facility to ensure you’re getting a solution that meets your needs.
Key Features to Look for in a HIMS
A Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) should be selected with the features that will best suit your facility’s particular requirements. The key components of a HIMS that help improve patient care, streamline hospital operations, and facilitate better financial and operational decision-making are listed below.
Patient Information Management
A robust HIMS should have a comprehensive patient information management module that centralizes and organizes patient data, including medical histories, treatment plans, demographics, and contact details. This feature allows healthcare providers to access a patient’s entire medical history instantly, ensuring that no critical information is overlooked during treatment. A well-organized patient record system reduces errors, supports continuity of care, and enhances overall treatment quality.
Billing and Revenue Cycle Management
Accurate billing and efficient revenue management are essential for financial health. A good HIMS will integrate billing processes, insurance verification, payment tracking, and claims management into one streamlined module. By automating these tasks, HIMS minimizes errors and speeds up the billing process. This feature is invaluable in reducing administrative costs and ensuring that hospitals capture all revenue due to them, preventing revenue leakage and delays in insurance reimbursements.
Inventory and Resource Management
Hospital resources, from medical equipment to pharmaceuticals, need to be tracked to avoid wastage and ensure availability when needed. HIMS offers real-time inventory tracking, which helps in managing stock levels, keeping track of medical supplies, and identifying which resources are being used most frequently. This feature ensures that resources are always available without excess inventory, which can strain budgets. Real-time resource management also enhances patient care by ensuring that necessary equipment and supplies are available when needed.
Scheduling and Staff Management
Effective scheduling is crucial to balancing patient demand with staff availability. A HIMS can help manage schedules for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare personnel, ensuring that shifts are appropriately allocated and that patients receive timely care. Additionally, HIMS can help avoid scheduling conflicts, track shift hours, and monitor workforce productivity. This feature keeps staff workloads balanced and can even help prevent burnout, resulting in a more productive, happier workforce.
Reporting and Analytics
Data-driven decision-making is invaluable for hospital administrators. With reporting and analytics features, HIMS enables healthcare facilities to analyze operational data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Reporting tools provide insights into patient flow, resource utilization, financial performance, and staff productivity. Analytics can reveal patterns that highlight areas for improvement, supporting long-term strategic planning and helping hospital executives make proactive adjustments to operations.
User Interface and Accessibility
A user-friendly interface is critical for any HIMS. The system should be intuitive for all users, from administrative staff to medical personnel, so that everyone can navigate the platform with minimal training. Additionally, features like mobile accessibility or remote access make it easier for healthcare professionals to access information from anywhere within the facility, or even off-site if needed, which is especially useful for doctors on-call or in emergency situations.
Data Security and Compliance Features
Given the sensitivity of patient information, robust security is essential. A HIMS should include strong data security measures such as data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and user access controls to protect against unauthorized access. Additionally, built-in compliance features help ensure that the hospital meets legal and regulatory standards, such as HIPAA. Audit trails and activity logs further enhance security by tracking who accesses data and when, supporting both data privacy and accountability.
Choosing the right HIMS with these core features ensures that hospitals are set up for success in managing patient care, financials, and operations. In the next section, we’ll dive into the process of implementing a HIMS and steps to ensure smooth adoption across the facility.
Steps to Successfully Implement a HIMS
Implementing a Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) requires thoughtful planning, preparation, and collaboration across departments. To ensure a smooth transition, healthcare facilities should follow these steps for successful HIMS adoption.
Planning and Needs Assessment
Before choosing a HIMS, it’s essential to conduct a thorough needs assessment to understand the specific requirements of your facility. Identify key pain points and determine how a HIMS can help address them. This step includes engaging stakeholders—administrative staff, healthcare providers, and IT personnel—to gather input on what they need from the system. Clearly defining your goals will help you select the right features and functions and set realistic expectations for implementation.
Vendor Selection and Technology Assessment
Choosing the right vendor is critical for a successful HIMS implementation. Evaluate potential vendors based on factors like their experience in healthcare, the flexibility of their system, support options, and ease of integration with existing tools. Look for a vendor who offers ongoing support, system upgrades, and customization to fit your facility’s unique needs. It’s also helpful to request demonstrations or trial periods to see how the system performs in real-world scenarios.
Employee Training and Change Management
Training is a crucial step in HIMS implementation. For the system to be effective, staff at all levels must know how to use it. Plan training sessions for different departments, focusing on relevant features and workflows. This training should be ongoing, as HIMS may be updated or expanded over time. Additionally, involve leadership in change management strategies to encourage a culture of adaptability and ensure staff feel supported through the transition.
Data Migration and System Integration
Migrating data from old systems to a new HIMS can be complex. Work with IT and the HIMS vendor to ensure a smooth data migration process, taking steps to verify data accuracy and completeness. Additionally, check that the new HIMS integrates well with existing tools like Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), billing systems, and inventory management software. Integration ensures seamless data flow across the hospital, minimizing disruptions and preserving data continuity.
Setting Up Customizations and Configurations
Every hospital has unique needs, so configure the HIMS to fit your specific workflows and processes. This may include setting up user roles, configuring access permissions, and customizing dashboards and reports. Work closely with the vendor to tailor these customizations to ensure the system aligns well with your facility’s operational requirements.
Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation
Once the HIMS is live, monitor its performance to identify any issues or areas for improvement. Set up feedback channels where staff can report challenges they encounter, and use this feedback to refine the system. Additionally, track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the HIMS’s impact on efficiency, patient satisfaction, and operational costs. Regular evaluations allow you to make adjustments as needed and ensure the system continues to meet your facility’s needs.
Ongoing Support and Updates
HIMS technology and hospital needs evolve, so regular updates and support are essential. Stay in close contact with your vendor to ensure that the system remains up-to-date and compatible with new technology standards. Encourage continuous learning among staff by offering refresher training sessions whenever significant updates or new features are added to the HIMS.
Following these steps for HIMS implementation can make the transition smoother and more productive. Up next, we’ll explore Real-World Examples: Success Stories with HIMS to showcase how other facilities have benefited from adopting a HIMS.
Real-World Examples: Success Stories with HIMS
HIMS has proven to be a game-changer for many healthcare facilities, providing quantifiable benefits in terms of efficiency, cost savings, and patient satisfaction. Here are a few real-world examples that highlight how hospitals and healthcare centers have successfully integrated HIMS to transform their operations.
Reducing Patient Wait Times and Improving Patient Flow
A mid-sized hospital in Texas struggled with long patient wait times, particularly in the emergency department. By implementing a HIMS that offered real-time tracking of patient flow and resource availability, the hospital was able to reduce bottlenecks and optimize patient hand-offs. Staff could view patient status across departments, which minimized delays and improved scheduling. As a result, the hospital reduced average patient wait times by 20% and saw a marked improvement in patient satisfaction scores.
Achieving Financial Gains through Billing Automation
A multi-specialty hospital in Florida faced challenges with manual billing processes, which often led to revenue losses due to human error. After implementing a HIMS with integrated billing and revenue cycle management, the hospital automated most of its billing tasks. Insurance claims were processed more accurately, with fewer rejections and faster reimbursements. Within the first year, the hospital saw a 15% increase in revenue collection and a 30% reduction in billing errors, providing much-needed financial stability.
Streamlining Inventory Management in a Large Medical Center
A large medical center in California needed better control over its inventory, as it was facing frequent shortages of essential supplies and excess of others. Using HIMS with real-time inventory management, the center began tracking usage patterns and setting automatic reorder levels for supplies based on historical data. The HIMS helped reduce both stockouts and overstocking, resulting in cost savings and improved supply availability. By the end of the first year, the center reduced its overall inventory costs by 18% and enhanced resource availability across departments.
Enhanced Data Security and Compliance
A healthcare facility in New York wanted to enhance its data security measures to meet HIPAA compliance standards. After adopting a HIMS with built-in security protocols, including encryption and access controls, the hospital improved its data protection practices significantly. The system logged all access activities, enabling the facility to track data access and create an audit trail. As a result, the hospital passed several compliance audits without issue, increasing trust among patients and stakeholders.
Improving Staff Productivity and Reducing Burnout
A teaching hospital in Ohio faced high staff turnover due to burnout, largely because of manual documentation and scheduling tasks. By implementing a HIMS with staff management and scheduling features, the hospital automated several administrative tasks, freeing up time for healthcare providers. The system also balanced staff schedules to avoid overworking individuals, reducing stress and improving work-life balance. The hospital saw a 25% improvement in staff retention rates within the first two years, with employees reporting greater job satisfaction.
These success stories demonstrate the tangible benefits a HIMS can bring to healthcare facilities, from financial improvements to better patient care and employee satisfaction. In the next section, we’ll discuss some of the Challenges in HIMS Adoption and How to Overcome Them, providing guidance on how facilities can address common obstacles in their HIMS journey.
Challenges in HIMS Adoption and How to Overcome Them
Implementing a Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) offers numerous benefits, but it also comes with its share of challenges. Understanding these obstacles in advance and having strategies to address them can make the transition smoother and more successful. Here are some common challenges facilities face with HIMS adoption and practical ways to overcome them.
High Upfront Costs
One of the most significant barriers to implementing a HIMS is the initial investment. Costs include software, hardware, data migration, and staff training. For many hospitals, especially smaller facilities, these costs can be daunting. However, facilities can offset these expenses by opting for modular HIMS solutions, which allow them to start with essential functions and expand as budgets permit. Additionally, some vendors offer financing options or payment plans, which can spread the costs over time, making the system more affordable.
Data Privacy and Security Concerns
With increasing regulatory requirements, data privacy is a top priority in healthcare. Many facilities worry about protecting sensitive patient data during and after HIMS implementation. To overcome this challenge, work closely with your HIMS vendor to ensure that the system includes robust security measures like data encryption, user authentication, and role-based access. Conduct regular security audits and involve your IT team in developing a data privacy plan. Training staff on data handling best practices is also essential to maintain data security across the organization.
Resistance to Change
Change can be challenging, especially in a healthcare setting where staff are accustomed to existing workflows. Resistance may come from concerns about new technology, fears of increased workloads, or worries about job security. Effective change management is critical to addressing this resistance. Engage staff early in the HIMS selection and planning process to foster a sense of ownership. Provide thorough training and create support channels where employees can ask questions and share feedback. Clear communication about how HIMS will reduce their workload rather than add to it can also ease concerns.
Data Migration Challenges
Migrating existing data to a new HIMS can be complex, especially for hospitals with large, unstructured data sets. There’s also the risk of data loss or corruption during the transition. Facilities can mitigate these challenges by conducting data audits before migration, cleaning up duplicate or outdated records, and working closely with the HIMS vendor to create a comprehensive data migration plan. It’s also wise to back up all data and test the system with a small batch of records before full-scale migration to ensure everything is working correctly.
Integration with Existing Systems
Hospitals often use multiple systems for billing, scheduling, EMR, and other functions, and integrating these with HIMS can be a challenge. Incompatibility between systems can lead to data silos, reduced functionality, and inefficiencies. Choosing a HIMS with built-in compatibility or customization options for your existing systems is essential. Work closely with the vendor to ensure that the HIMS integrates seamlessly, allowing for smooth data flow and minimizing disruptions to current operations.
Ongoing Maintenance and Support
Once the HIMS is implemented, it requires regular updates, maintenance, and troubleshooting to keep it running smoothly. Many facilities overlook the importance of ongoing support and can struggle with system downtimes or technical issues. To address this, choose a vendor that offers comprehensive support packages, including regular updates, 24/7 support, and training refreshers as needed. Additionally, designate internal staff members to be system administrators who can manage day-to-day HIMS functions and resolve minor issues.
By preparing for these common challenges, healthcare facilities can make HIMS implementation a smoother, more successful experience. The benefits of an effective HIMS can far outweigh these obstacles, especially when facilities take proactive steps to address them.
Future of HIMS: Emerging Trends and Innovations
As technology in healthcare continues to evolve, so does the scope and functionality of Hospital Information Management Systems (HIMS). Staying updated with these emerging trends and innovations can help healthcare facilities harness new opportunities for efficiency, patient care, and data management. Here are some of the key trends shaping the future of HIMS.
Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
AI and ML are increasingly finding applications within HIMS, where they can analyze massive datasets to deliver actionable insights. AI-powered predictive analytics can help hospitals anticipate patient volume surges, optimize resource allocation, and even predict potential health complications in patients. ML algorithms can also enhance operational efficiency by identifying patterns in scheduling and patient flow, allowing hospitals to allocate resources more accurately and minimize downtime.
Rise of Telehealth Integration
As telehealth has expanded, HIMS is changing to accommodate it. Virtual consultation scheduling, documentation, and billing are made easy by integrating telehealth features into HIMS. Through the provision of care to patients in remote locations and the support of continuity of care for patients unable to visit in person, this capability aids hospitals in broadening their reach. Future HIMS platforms might integrate remote patient monitoring and diagnostic capabilities to further support telehealth, increasing the efficiency and accessibility of healthcare.
Enhanced Interoperability with EHRs and EMRs
In healthcare technology, interoperability—the capacity of various systems to exchange information and communicate with one another—is quickly rising to the top of the priority list. It is anticipated that future HIMS systems will provide even greater interoperability with third-party applications, Electronic Medical Records (EMR), and Electronic Health Records (EHR). Better care coordination, more accurate patient data, and streamlined departmental procedures are made possible by this smooth data sharing. HIMS can support comprehensive, unified healthcare systems that offer a holistic view of patient data as interoperability standards advance.
Focus on Data-Driven Personalization
The push towards personalized medicine means HIMS will likely incorporate tools that support patient-specific treatment plans. Future HIMS may use data from patient histories, genomics, and lifestyle information to assist healthcare providers in crafting personalized care plans. With the ability to provide tailored insights, HIMS can enhance patient outcomes and increase the accuracy of medical interventions, supporting a more patient-centric approach to care.
Mobile Accessibility and Remote Management
Healthcare professionals now need to be able to access vital information on the go thanks to mobile accessibility. It is anticipated that future HIMS solutions will have fully mobile-compatible platforms that let doctors, nurses, and administrative staff access patient information, schedules, and resources from anywhere. Additionally, remote access enables IT personnel and healthcare executives to oversee operations and track system performance from a distance, facilitating more adaptable and responsive management.
Blockchain for Enhanced Security and Data Integrity
Blockchain technology holds promise for healthcare, particularly in the areas of data security and integrity. In a HIMS, blockchain can create a decentralized and tamper-proof ledger of all patient interactions, ensuring that data remains secure and unaltered. This is especially relevant for patient records, as blockchain can help hospitals meet regulatory standards and protect patient privacy. While still an emerging area, blockchain’s potential for enhancing data security and integrity may see it integrated into HIMS in the coming years.
Advanced Analytics and Real-Time Decision-Making
Future HIMS will likely include more advanced analytics and real-time data capabilities to support informed decision-making. Real-time analytics can help administrators manage patient flow, identify staffing needs, and track equipment availability, making adjustments as needed. With advanced analytics, hospitals can make proactive, data-driven decisions that improve both operational efficiency and patient care.
Augmented Reality (AR) for Training and Visualization
Healthcare is also embracing augmented reality (AR), particularly for training. Future HIMS platforms might incorporate augmented reality (AR) to give employees access to simulated training settings, which can be especially helpful for procedures, patient care, and equipment use. Additionally, AR can help visualize patient data, which simplifies the understanding and real-time application of complex information.
As these trends evolve, HIMS will become more versatile, intelligent, and capable of supporting the complex needs of modern healthcare facilities. These innovations will not only improve operational efficiency but also support a higher standard of patient care, helping healthcare facilities stay competitive and responsive in a rapidly changing industry.
Conclusion
A Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) has become essential for healthcare facilities aiming to improve efficiency, streamline operations, and deliver a higher standard of patient care. By centralizing data, automating routine tasks, and supporting real-time decision-making, a HIMS helps hospitals tackle common operational challenges like long wait times, resource wastage, compliance issues, and financial management.
We’ve covered the main advantages of HIMS in this guide, such as increased staff productivity, improved patient satisfaction, and a more structured approach to resource management. In order to ensure a seamless transition that satisfies the needs of both staff and patients, we also talked about the crucial characteristics to consider when choosing a HIMS and the doable actions to successfully implement it. We also examined upcoming developments like blockchain security, telehealth compatibility, and AI integration, demonstrating how HIMS technology is still developing to satisfy the needs of contemporary healthcare.
For healthcare administrators, executives, and IT teams, implementing a HIMS isn’t just about adopting new software; it’s about creating a foundation for a more efficient, secure, and patient-centered healthcare environment. Investing in a HIMS today can set a facility up for long-term success, helping it to adapt to future challenges and remain competitive in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
If you’re ready to explore Hospital Management System solutions, consider reaching out to reputable vendors, assessing your facility’s unique needs, and building a cross-functional team to support the implementation. With the right system in place, healthcare facilities can not only improve operational efficiency but also provide better experiences for both patients and staff.