How Technology Can Help With Dorm to Hospital Transition

• By Amy Jeffs
• August 10, 2020

With states across the country looking to alternative hospital facilities or pop-up hospitals, college dormitories are among the alternatives being considered. While at first glance these buildings seem like the ideal solution, there are many adjustments and upgrades that are needed, arguably one of the most important shifts that would be needed is in technology. There are key changes that can, and need to be made in order for these structures to serve as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Using Dorms Existing Infrastructure
There are many pieces of dormitory’s existing infrastructure that make them an ideal pop-up hospital, using what is already there is key to both quick and efficient transition. Each dormitory building is equipped with a front desk or check-in area for guests. This area is equipped with a camera, PA system, computer check-in system or phones. While many of these systems currently work independently, integrating all of them onto one technology platform can vastly improve the check-in process and make it more ideal for a hospital setting.

For example, once integrated, the existing camera used to monitor the entrance can be leveraged for access control through communication with smartphones, TVs, monitors and laptop devices so they can automatically receive live video feed from the entrance. When a guest is prepared to enter the building, the staff member on-site can determine or even communicate instructions directly with that person before to letting them in.

Knowing an essential piece to success in these pop-up facilities is to limit exposure from patients, by integrating the live feed, staff are able to monitor the entrance and communicate with those checking in without the need for direct contact. Many of the infrastructures existing technology can be leveraged in a similar way to improve connectivity and communication.

Bolstering Security
Along those same lines, by bolstering existing security systems, hospitals will be able to more efficiently care for patients by helping route them to the right facility. Many of the pop-up hospitals are being used to care for patients who do not have coronavirus symptoms but are there for other medical reasons.