Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha is the only hospital dedicated to pediatric care in Nebraska. In 2022, the hospital doubled its capacity by opening at Hubbard Center. This expansion has opened different care units such as intensive care, pediatric ICU, oncology, and cardiac care center. The new medical facility also offers other amenities including, a larger cafeteria, gift shop, a family waiting room, and extra space for visitor parking.
New challenges with expansion
The hospital’s expansion posed new challenges that needed to be dealt with effectively. One of the challenges was how to ensure families could find their way from one location to another on the campus. Also, children having chronic care conditions have needs that need to be catered outside of in-person visits.
The hospital also serves a wide geographic area, and it requires long travel hours for the patients to reach the facility.
Children’s Hospital and Medical Center required a way to engage with patients proactively through a virtual platform enabling them to get health answers without a delay.
Offering an integrated care experience with Children’s Go wayfinding Mobile App
A comprehensive digital front-door strategy was developed to provide an integrated care experience for patients. Earlier, patients had to log on to different apps to find the information they wanted. This was frustrating for many patients, as it was confusing and inconsistent.
The hospital designed the Children’s GO wayfinding app and Children’s Connect app, the Children’s branding of MyChart Patient Portal EMR Software, unified in a single digital platform.
The robust mobile app helped to accelerate patient engagement and improve their virtual experience. Through the Children’s connect app parents can have secure access to after-visit summaries, view test results, message the care team, and schedule appointments.
The Children’s Go wayfinding app can let patients set up parking notifications, find food services on the site, and locate the best healthcare provider to meet their child’s needs.
Benefits of integrating digital apps
Integrating digital apps into a single platform has enabled the pediatric hospital to boost digital engagement with patients and their families. This has in turn increased patient satisfaction scores and decreased nonclinical demands on the hospital’s staff.
Digital offerings are a critical part of any healthcare organization to modify the patient experience. They provide a virtual doorway for patients to connect with the hospital and offer great convenience and empower them.
