WHAT IS HEALTHCARE DIGITAL SIGNAGE?
Digital signage for hospitals and healthcare facilities has become a standard across the industry. Many healthcare facilities will utilize multiple solutions for a variety of purposes, fully taking advantage of the flexibility of signage displays. Large hospitals often use wayfinding to guide visitors and patients around campus, reducing confusion and frustration. Lobbies are frequently outfitted with entertainment options, usually live TV or news headlines, to keep patients occupied while they wait. Some hospitals even have cafés that require menu boards to promote new deals and food items. Digital signage content creation for healthcare can leverage multiple benefits digital signage offers, granting them more freedom than in other industries. However, using this content effectively requires more than just putting screens up in hallways. Digital signage involves the software, hardware, content, and team managing it to attract attention and communicate effectively. If you can nail down these aspects, you will have a much easier time integrating digital displays into your overall communication strategy.
Before we get into the hardware and software portions of a digital content management system, let’s go over your team and the roles they will play within your signage network. REACH Media Network’s CMS has two types of roles: Admin Roles and Facility Roles. These are umbrella categories that have sub-roles within them. To begin, let’s start with admin roles.
Admin roles are only accessible to those with access to the back end of your CMS. With this in mind, you will want to assign administrators, supervisors, and managers to some of these roles. This will give them greater access to your content settings, while also being able to oversee the work of others within your organization.
There are two options within Admin Roles. The first is the Full Access role. This role will have access to all applications under the Admin Panel except player + licensing and SSO. However, they cannot edit permissions for those considered “Owners.” Owners are the second and highest-tier role within the admin panel. As the “kings or queens” of the castle, they will have access to EVERYTHING and the ability to change permissions for other users. Only those who require the highest level of access to your signage should be assigned as an owner.
Next are facility roles. Facility roles are assigned to those with access to the front end of your CMS. These roles center around content creation within your facility. Facility roles are where you can assign and edit certain permissions to apps, integrations, and other CMS functions. Often, social media content creators, graphic designers, and other marketing specialists will have access to these types of roles.
Within facility roles, there are Admins and Content Creators. Admins have full access to every application within the facility. This mirrors our Admin-level access from our previous CMS solution. From there, you can also assign Content Creators. Content Creators receive full access to the dashboard, media library, and playlist applications. However, they will only be able to view player settings. This will help focus their workflows and prevent confusion that results from people accessing tools or files they shouldn’t have access to.
Now that you have a basic understanding of what healthcare-based digital signage is, we can dive into the necessary hardware and software requirements. Once those are set up, we can begin diving into the nitty gritty of content creation and digital signage benefits!
THE NUMEROUS BENEFITS OF HEALTHCARE SIGNAGE
HOW TO GET STARTED
Before we dive deeper into healthcare signage, there are a few things you should be aware of. To get your displays ready out the gate, there are a few things you should prepare beforehand to guarantee success.
The first, of course, is your team! Deciding who you want to manage content and assets within your new content-management software is important for any signage strategy. Within REACH’s CMS, you can assign the previously discussed roles and edit app permissions for each user. If you’re trying to make broader changes, you can assign users to a group and bulk-edit the permissions of the entire group! This helps streamline employee workflows and prevents staff from accidentally seeing content or changing settings they shouldn’t have access to. This process strengthens security and boosts efficiency within your organization.
From there, you’ll want to ensure you have the proper hardware to display fresh content. REACH’s software is “hardware agnostic,” meaning it can run on most media players you may already have lying around. If you have any spare media players, Fire Sticks, or similar devices, you can use those (depending on the scale of your project, of course). However, as a hardware provider, you can always purchase a media player from us as well!
Of course, REACH is also a Bright Alliance Premier Partner with BrightSign, a producer of some of the most popular and reliable media players on the market! Depending on the requirements of your project, you may be recommended one of BrightSigns premium models to help with live TV capabilities or large-scale video walls.
The only thing left is to find a trustworthy software provider for your project. Luckily, if you’re here, your search is over! REACH will be with you at every step of your signage journey. You and your team will first be assigned to an install coordinator, and they will train you in all aspects of your new software. Once your training is complete, you will then be assigned an account manager. This will be your point person for all things following your installation. They will assist with projects, integrations, and troubleshooting. However, if something proves too arduous or your account manager is unavailable, you will have access to REACH’s 24/7 support. Once you submit a ticket, someone on our support team will reach out to help solve whatever issue you are facing! At REACH, there is always someone ready to help.
PAIN POINTS DIGITAL SIGNAGE FOR HOSPITALS CAN ALLEVIATE
One of the benefits of digital signage for hospitals and clinics is that hospitals can take advantage of many different use cases to create a cohesive signage solution. For instance, we noted how digital signage can be used in lobbies or waiting rooms to entertain guests. This will reduce perceived wait times, which in turn, will increase overall patient satisfaction. We also touched on how some facilities have cafeterias. In this way, menu board solutions can encourage purchases and promote deals. Installing interactive kiosks can alleviate certain pain points if you want to engage your audience more directly. Some kiosks can be outfitted with software to help visitors check in on their own, reducing wait times at the front desk. Other kiosks can dispense hand sanitizer, masks, and face coverings. Each of these signs can promote health tips to make visitors more comfortable.
All of these use cases can help your hospital run more smoothly and provide assistance to visitors. Studies show digital displays capture 400% more attention than traditional signage, so if you’re trying to get an important message out, digital signage is the way to go!
DIGITAL SIGNAGE CAN HELP ENSURE SAFETY AND WELLNESS
Digital signage can also increase awareness of important health and wellness tips that can improve your visitors’ lives. Dynamic videos can instruct on proper cleaning tips, and important preventative measures, and even showcase news stories on rising health trends or diseases. With the increased attention digital signage receives, this can go a long way toward informing your audience and keeping them healthy. Many hospitals utilize fun facts or trivia software as an interactive means of engaging patients. Additionally, the use of QR codes can further direct visitor engagement. These codes can be placed discreetly on your signage layouts and bring audiences to surveys, web pages, trivia/quizzes, registration forms, or other interactive elements. This not only engages users but also helps perform certain hospital functions.
In regards to safety, there are not many locations as safe as a hospital. Unfortunately, emergencies can happen. In that case, you will want to outfit your displays with emergency messaging signage. Emergency signage is messages that can be triggered and sent out in the case of an emergency. These messages can take over the entirety of your screens to display safety instructions and warnings. By setting up emergency content to take over your screens, you ensure everyone has access to safety instructions and is informed on potentially dangerous situations.
THE NUMEROUS BENEFITS OF DIGITAL SIGNAGE FOR HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CLINICS
In the fast-paced and often chaotic healthcare environment, effective communication is paramount. Digital signage has emerged as a transformative tool for hospitals and health clinics, providing numerous benefits that enhance the patient experience, streamline operations, and improve overall healthcare delivery. This article explores the multifaceted advantages of digital signage in healthcare settings, highlighting its impact on communication, patient engagement, operational efficiency, and brand awareness.
ENHANCING COMMUNICATION
One of the primary benefits of digital signage in hospitals and health clinics is its ability to facilitate real-time communication. Traditional signage often fails to deliver timely information due to the static nature of printed materials. Digital signage, on the other hand, can be updated to reflect the latest information such as wait times, appointment changes, and important announcements.
These announcements can come in the form of real-time updates that can significantly improve patient flow and satisfaction. For instance, if a doctor’s schedule changes, staff can update digital displays in waiting areas or near appointment desks immediately. This not only keeps patients informed but also helps reduce anxiety linked with uncertainty. As previously discussed, interactive kiosks can also help put the power in the patients’ hands, allowing them to check in, make appointment changes, or send notes right from the display. Regardless, digital signage solutions offer flexibility not found in traditional displays.
In case of emergencies, digital signage can be crucial for disseminating information quickly. Hospitals can broadcast urgent messages, such as evacuation procedures or severe weather alerts, ensuring that both patients and staff are aware of critical information without delay.
IMPROVE PATIENT ENGAGEMENT
Digital signage offers a dynamic way to engage patients and improve facilities. Healthcare facilities can capture attention and provide valuable information by utilizing engaging visuals and interactive content. For example, healthcare providers can use digital signage to share educational content such as wellness tips, treatment options, insurance information, and disease prevention strategies. This not only empowers patients with knowledge but also encourages them to take an active role in their health management.
However, navigating larger facilities can be challenging, especially for patients who are already feeling unwell. Digital wayfinding solutions, including interactive kiosks or directional displays, help guide patients to their appointments or specific departments with ease. This improves the patient experience by reducing delays and frustration. These solutions can have complex, touchscreen integrations, or be displayed through simple data sets arranged in a table. Whatever solution works for you, digital signage can make it happen!
Additionally, waiting rooms can also be stressful environments. Digital signage for hospital waiting rooms can transform these spaces by displaying entertaining content, health-related videos, news headlines, or community announcements. This not only distracts patients from their anxiety but also creates a more pleasant atmosphere.
EFFICIENCY MADE EASY
Digital signage streamlines operations within healthcare facilities, leading to improved efficiency and productivity. Hospitals can automate the flow of information by integrating digital signage with other systems, such as electronic health records (EHRs). For example, patient check-in screens can display personalized messages, reducing the need for staff intervention and minimizing wait times.
Digital signage can also serve as an internal communications tool, keeping staff informed about policy changes, training sessions, and other important announcements. This helps foster a cohesive work environment and ensures that all team members are on the same page.
Hospitals also often face challenges with resource management, including room availability and equipment usage. Digital displays can provide real-time information on resource availability, which helps staff make informed decisions and improves overall efficiency.
BRAND AWARENESS AND MARKETING
In an increasingly competitive healthcare landscape, branding and marketing are essential for attracting and retaining patients. Digital signage serves as an effective marketing tool for hospitals and health clinics. Signage can be used to promote specific services, such as new treatments, wellness programs, or community health initiatives. By showcasing these offerings in high-traffic areas, healthcare facilities can increase awareness and drive patient engagement.
A big driver for this type of engagement centers around community outreach. Hospitals can use signage to highlight their involvement in the community, such as sponsorships of local events or partnerships with health organizations. This helps build a positive reputation and fosters a sense of community connection.
This connection can resonate more deeply with consistent branding. Digital signage enables healthcare facilities to maintain consistent branding across various locations. By utilizing a unified design and messaging strategy, hospitals can strengthen their brand identity and enhance recognition among patients.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS
While the initial investment in digital signage may seem substantial, the long-term cost savings and benefits make it a worthwhile endeavor for healthcare facilities. Traditional printed materials can be costly to produce and maintain and do not draw nearly as much attention. Digital signage eliminates printing costs, reduces waste, and lowers costs on materials, labor, and distribution. As a result, digital material can be longer lasting. Signage displays are typically more durable than printed signs, which can fade or become damaged over time. This longevity ensures that hospitals get a greater return on investment, as digital signs can remain operational for years with minimal maintenance.
These screens can even create additional revenue streams through advertising partnerships with local businesses. By displaying targeted advertisements, hospitals can generate income while providing valuable information to patients and visitors.
FINAL RECAP
The integration of digital signage in hospitals and health clinics represents a significant advancement in how healthcare facilities communicate with patients, staff, and the community. By enhancing communication, improving patient engagement, streamlining operations, and increasing brand awareness, digital signage offers a myriad of benefits that ultimately contribute to better healthcare delivery.
As technology continues to evolve, the potential for digital signage in healthcare settings will only expand. Hospitals and clinics that embrace these innovations will not only improve their operational efficiency but also create a more patient-centered environment that fosters trust and satisfaction. In a world where patient experience is increasingly recognized as a critical component of healthcare success, digital signage stands out as a powerful tool for driving positive change.
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Many facilities are updating their signage approach. With that in mind, we HIGHLY recommend reaching out to your account manager now if you want free spring content, interactive integrations, or other signage implementations. While the process itself should not take too long, we do like having time to test the connection and ensure stable connectivity. Additionally, if any issues arise in that time, our support team can quickly sort them out. For more information, click the button below!
