Building a Smart Hospital System Through Ward Automation at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital (Preprint)

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BACKGROUND This study presents the development of a smart hospital system through implementation of ward automation at the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) Ilsan Hospital. The primary goal is to share our experience and provide foundational knowledge for other healthcare institutions that want to establish similar smart hospital systems. The ward automation system operates on a Bluetooth-enabled wireless network, with more than 1,000 signal scanners installed throughout the hospital. OBJECTIVE The scanners collect data from various smart devices and transmit them to the hospital information system. Additionally, a dedicated Internet of Medical Things monitoring platform is used to visualize the gathered data and manage various medical devices METHODS The ward automation solutions focus on two primary areas: automatic transfer of vital signs to electronic medical records (EMR) and real-time remote monitoring RESULTS By automating the transfer of blood pressure, body temperature, height, and weight directly to the EMR, the system reduces manual input and minimizes the risk of errors. Real-time remote monitoring includes functions such as tracking medical assets and high-risk patients, monitoring refrigerator temperatures, tracking infusion rates, and a psychiatry-specific system for monitoring risk of self-harm risks CONCLUSIONS This system enhances data accuracy, improves healthcare staff efficiency, and strengthens patient safety management. Ensuring a stable network environment and consistent maintenance is essential for successful implementation. This case study demonstrates the potential of ward automation systems to advance healthcare delivery, with future work focusing on integrating innovative smart solutions, incorporating user feedback, and establishing a dedicated department for system maintenance and improvements