In recent years, digital signage has begun to transform the way business operates in many societies. It is being used for anything from advertising on billboards to providing menu choices at fast food restaurants. Because technology has become entrenched into our everyday lives, we have become indifferent towards traditional methods of communication. For example, a piece of paper on the wall that provides guidelines or directions is not as effective as a digital screen with aesthetically pleasing graphics. Beyond the fact that digital signage helps attract attention, there are also many benefits to using digital signage that can be applied across many different industries. iIn this blog, we will cover some of the ways that digital signage is being used to help improve patient experience in the healthcare industry.
Some topics that will be discussed in this blog include:
- How Interactive Digital Signage Improves Wayfinding in Healthcare Facilities
- How Digital Signage Reduces Wait Time
- How Digital Signage Can Be Used To Provide Educational and Informational Content in Healthcare
- How Digital Signage Can Be Used To Communicate Emergency Alerts And Safety Information
- How Digital Signage Can Be Used In Pharmacies
Now let’s begin today’s discussion about how to use digital signage to improve patient experience in healthcare.
How Interactive Digital Signage Improves Wayfinding In Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities can sometimes be large and difficult for patients to navigate, while trying to locate waiting rooms and help desks. Because staff members are often occupied with other tasks and responsibilities, having an alternative form of navigational communication is vitally important.
Here are some ways that digital signage helps improve healthcare facility wayfinding for patients and visitors:
- Touchscreen Directories - Digital signage can be used to provide interactive maps that help patients and visitors locate: gift shops, waiting areas, cafeterias, restrooms, and other important areas more easily.
- Step-By-Step Navigation - Clear and concise step-by-step directions are essential for navigating complex healthcare facilities. Digital signage can provide clear instructions and directions to reduce stress and ensure that patients can reach appointments on time.
- Multilingual Options - In a healthcare facility, providing information that is accessible to people from various cultures is vitally important. Digital signage can allow visitors or patients to view important information in multiple different languages.
How Digital Signage Reduces Wait Time
In a busy society, people’s time is very precious and valuable. When there is a lack of communication, patients can sometimes feel ignored or undervalued as a result. Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of waiting in a healthcare facility is often the uncertainty of how long a wait time will last. For example, if someone is stopping in for a walk-in visit to get their blood drawn, they probably do not want to wait hours before seeing a nurse. Digital signage reduces perceived wait times by providing real-time queue information that displays where a patient is positioned on the waiting list. It can also provide information about the expected appointment time length of other patients ahead of them. This allows a patient to grab a snack or buy a coffee without the fear of missing their queue.
There is also statistical data that suggests queue time information improves patient experience in healthcare. Facilities that display real-time queue position and their estimated wait time experience as much as a 35 percent reduction in the perceived wait time for their patients. Healthcare facilities that provide regular screen updates also report a 50 percent decrease in patient aggression and a 75 percent decrease in patient frustration related to wait times.
How Digital Signage Can Be Used To Provide Educational And Informational Content In Healthcare
One of the most important aspects of a quality healthcare system is trust. When patients feel informed and educated about how the healthcare system works, they are more likely to have a quality experience. It also allows patients to make informed decisions for their own health based on recommendations and financial affordability. Education also provides the opportunity for patients and physicians to have more conversations about healthcare and procedure options
One of the main benefits to using digital signage for patient education is the ability to provide quick and efficient information. With digital signage, healthcare clinics can provide patients with real-time updates regarding the latest health information, announcements, or educational content without the need to invest time, resources, and money into reprinting new brochures, fliers, or posters. This allows patients to receive the most up-to-date information and breakthroughs in a field of medicine that experiences rapid advancements. Additionally, digital signage provides a visual aspect to healthcare information and education. This allows for more inclusion and accessibility for those who may be from different cultures.
How Digital Signage Can Be Used To Communicate Emergency Alerts And Safety Information
While sound systems and loudspeakers can be used to communicate emergency alerts and other important information, there are limitations to this form of communication. One limiting factor is that not all patients and visitors in the facility will be able to understand the language of the message or alert. Another limiting factor is that those who are deaf or hearing impaired will not be able to receive the alert using this method of communication. Digital signage helps to reduce these shortages in communication, providing a more safe environment in healthcare facilities.
Some examples of how digital signage can be used to communicate emergency and safety information includes:
- Evacuation Instructions
- Code Alerts
- Safety Protocols
Another advantage to using digital signage to provide emergency information is the ability to communicate information in a shorter amount of time. Emergency information that is being provided over a sound system can only be given as quickly as someone can access the system and deliver the message. With the use of digital signage, automated alerts can be displayed on screens in all areas of the healthcare facility if necessary.
How Digital Signage Can Be Used In Pharmacies
Traditionally, when most people think about a pharmacy, they think about a place where they can buy Tylenol or pick up medication that has been prescribed by a licensed physician. In more recent years, pharmacies have begun to provide more services such as vaccinations, health screenings, and pharmaceutical consultations. An increase in the provided services results in more customers visiting pharmacy locations. It also means that there is an increased need for educational information regarding these services. That is why digital signage in pharmacies can play a crucial role in making sure that patients have a quality experience.
One way that pharmacy digital signage can be used to improve customer experience is by utilizing display screens to provide informational and educational content. These screens can be placed in waiting areas so that visitors can occupy their time while they wait for their service. Digital signage provides the opportunity to combine text with visually appealing videos that help engage viewers, while providing them with valuable information.
Some digital signage topics that pharmacies can use to engage customers include:
- Health Tip of The Day - Display general health, nutrition, chronic condition information on screens that can be easily seen by customers.
- Seasonal Campaigns - Using digital signage to display upcoming seasonal products can improve customer experience by informing them about upcoming seasonal products such as allergy medication.
- Prescription Status Notifications - This idea provides a simple yet useful tool for customers. Using screens to display prescription status and wait time can allow them to manage their time and shop for other items rather than standing in line.
- Product Spotlights - Screens can be used to highlight pharmacy products by displaying information and user instructions. This can help customers understand whether these products can be useful to them.
- Interactive Medication Guides - Interactive screens can provide a great way to engage customers. It allows them to search for information about medication, so that they understand how to use it for their specific needs. It can also relieve staff members from the constant pressure of answering basic questions.
- Upsell Services - Use screens to help display and market services such as: travel vaccinations, health checkups, nutritional information, or smoking cessation advice.
- Customer Reviews - Displaying reviews and feedback from satisfied customers is an excellent way to build the trust and confidence of your customers. When a customer can see positive feedback on products and services, it improves their confidence in the pharmacy.
- Community Board - Use screens to display community events and information can help customers develop a personal connection with the pharmacy.
- Loyalty Programs - Communicate loyalty programs that customers can use to earn points, receive benefits, and claim promotions.
- Staff Introductions - Display staff bios to inform your customer on the expertise of the staff members that serve them. These bios can also include personal interest or hobbies, which can add a personal connection as well.
Seek Advice From The Experts At Shift
If you are searching for a way to transform your internal communication, look no further than Shift. When businesses use Shift’s digital displays, they have the ability to deliver real-time updates to every employee. This provides a boost in productivity, reduction in waste, and lower costs.
Shift has recently released its Content Navigator system. With this new technology, employers have the ability to update Shift display screens from any device. This feature provides a time-efficient and effective way to convey messages to employees on the job.
The Content Navigator from Shift can be used to provide updates such as:
- Daily Huddles
- Team updates
- Quick recognition moments
- Showcase sales goals
- Celebrate winds
- Play training videos
If you are interested in using Shift’s Content Navigator for your business, reach out to the Shift team to seek advice regarding how this new innovation can help improve your company;s internal communication.
Also, do not forget to check out the Shift blog, where you will find top digital signage practices to add to your business.
