Change Management Supports Growing Process Automation Trend in Top US Hospitals

DENVER, July 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Swisslog Healthcare Solutions, a leading supplier of automation and software solutions for material transport and medication management, today announced the release of its new white paper, "Managing Technological Change in Your Pharmacy" to guide hospitals in optimizing the value of process automation while minimizing the pain of change. The top hospitals in the United States have a shared focus on the latest medical technology advancements, in particular solutions for process automation and optimizing operational efficiencies. Swisslog healthcare automation plays a significant role in this growing trend.

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"At the heart of automation solutions is the goal of enabling healthcare professionals to safely serve their patients while reducing the cost of care," explains Joni Kripal, vice president of innovation and solutions at Swisslog Healthcare Solutions. "Automation can dramatically reduce non-value added tasks allowing more quality time at the bedside positively influencing both patient and caregiver satisfaction."

Hospital automation has multiple applications throughout healthcare systems. From material  transport to medication management, automation promotes process improvements aimed at increased efficiency and enhanced patient experiences. To support implementation of pharmacy automation, Swisslog developed a change management white paper, which offers strategies for effectively managing technological change in a pharmacy. The white paper can be downloaded at swisslog.com/swissloghospital.

Swisslog has installed automation solutions in all of the top 2014 US Hospitals (as ranked by US News and World Report). These installations are improving workflows across multiple departments within hospitals, such as:

• Pharmacy: Pharmacy robots automate time-consuming tasks such as medication packaging, dispensing, storage and retrieval, streamlining the inpatient drug dispensing process.
• Nursing: Mobile dispensing cabinets supply essential medications and supplies in a single mobile unit, reducing interruptions and unnecessary trips to retrieve medications.
• Laboratory: Pneumatic tube systems and autonomous mobile robots quickly deliver specimens, tissue samples, and test materials for faster results, speeding up diagnosis and treatment.
• Facilities: Customized route planning of automated guided vehicles provides on-demand and scheduled bulk cart transport throughout the hospital.

"As hospitals continue to feel pressure to reduce costs, the demand for accountability and efficiency will only increase," explains Kripal. "Hospital automation solutions help achieve these goals, while maintaining a high standard of patient care." These solutions are accessible to hospitals of all sizes and can be customized based on preferred workflows.

Swisslog Healthcare Solutions is the leading supplier of automation and software solutions for material transport and medication management in healthcare facilities. Swisslog has installed facility-wide and pharmacy automation systems in more than 3,000 hospitals worldwide, including more than 2,000 in North America. Denver-based Swisslog Healthcare Solutions offers total system design, manufacturing, installation and customer support – providing an integrated solution for lean workflow and operations that enhances information access, patient safety and cost efficiency. For more information, visit www.swisslog.com/healthcare.

About Swisslog
Swisslog designs, develops and delivers efficient automation solutions for forward-thinking hospitals, warehouses and distribution centers. We offer integrated systems and services from a single source – from consulting services to design, implementation and lifetime customer service.

Headquartered in Buchs/Aarau, Switzerland, Swisslog has 2,200 employees in 20 countries worldwide, supporting customers in more than 50 countries. The group's parent company, Swisslog Holding Ltd, is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (security number: 1232462, Telekurs: SLOG, Reuters: SLOG.S). More information on swisslog.com/healthcare.

Editorial Contact:

Beth Riggio
Marketing Manager
Swisslog Healthcare Solutions
Phone: 303.373.7952
Email

SOURCE Swisslog Healthcare Solutions